Substituted piperidinyl-pyridazinyl derivatives useful as scd 1 inhibitors

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to novel piperidinyl-pyridazinyl derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as inhibitors of SCD1, useful in the treatment of obesity, type-II diabetes and other related metabolic disorders.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to novel piperidinyl-pyridazinyl derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as inhibitors of SCD 1, useful in the treatment of obesity, type-II diabetes and other related metabolic disorders.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD 1) is a critical microsomal enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of saturated fatty acid-CoAs to mono-unsaturated fatty acid-CoAs (at C-9 position) (DOBRZYN, A., et al., Obes. Rev., 2005, pp 169, Vol. 6; NTAMBI, J., et al., Curr. Opin. Lipidol., 2003, pp 255, Vol. 14). These mono-unsaturated fatty acid-CoAs, such as palmitoleic (C16) acid-CoA and oleic (C18) acid-CoA, are major building blocks in biosynthesis of lipids including phospholipids, triglycerides, cholesterol esters and wax esters (MIYAZAKI, M., et al., J. Lipid Res., 2002, pp 2146, Vol. 43). Four SCD isoforms (SCD 14) in rodents and two human genes (SCD 1 and 2) have been identified and characterized. SCD 1 (MIYAZAKI, M., et al., J. Biol. Chem., 2003, pp 33904, Vol 278; WANG, J., et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun., 2005, pp 735, Vol. 332), with ca. 85% identity across species (ZHANG, L., et a., Biochem. J., 1999, pp 255, Vol. 340), is abundantly expressed in liver and adipose tissue and is regulated by several nutritional and hormonal factors, such as insulin, cholesterol, and poly-unsaturated fatty acids (WATERS, K. M., et al., J. Biol. Chem., 1994, pp 27773, Vol. 269; NTAMBI, J. M., et al., J. Lipid Res., 1999, pp 1549, Vol. 40). Moreover, SCD 1 deficiency in mice, either naturally deficient Asebia mice (ZHENG, Y., et al., Nat. Genet., 1999, pp 268, Vol. 23) or laboratory-created SCD 1 knockout (SCD 1^(−/−)) mice (NTAMBI, J. M. et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 2002, pp 11482, Vol. 99), has been shown to reduce body adiposity, increase insulin sensitivity, and impart resistance to diet-induced obesity (NTAMBI, J. M., et al., Prog. Lipid Res., 2004, pp 91, Vol. 43). The SCD 1^(−/−) mice also have lower levels of hepatic cholesterol esters and triglycerides (MIYAZAKI, M., et al., J. Biol. Chem., 2000, pp 30132, Vol. 275).

These observations indicated that inhibition of SCD 1 activity may serve as a potential treatment for obesity, type-II diabetes, and other related metabolic disorders.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I)

wherein

R¹ is selected from the group consisting of

a is an integer from 0 to 3;

each R² is independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁₋₄alkyl, C₁₋₄alkoxy, halogenated C₁₋₂alkyl, and halogenated C₁₋₂alkoxy;

R³ is selected from the group consisting of

wherein R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, C₁₋₄alkyl, halogenated C₁₋₂alkyl, —C₁₋₂alkyl-OH, C₁₋₄alkoxy, halogenated C₁₋₂alkoxy, —C₁₋₂alkyl-O—C₁₋₂alkyl, —CO₂H, —C(O)O—C₁₋₄alkyl, —C₁₋₂alkyl-C(O)O—C₁₋₂alkyl, —C₁₋₂alkyl-OC(O)—C₁₋₂alkyl, —NR^(A)R^(B), —C₁₋₂alkyl-NR^(A)R^(B), —C(O)—NR^(A)R^(B), —C₁₋₂alkyl-C(O)—NR^(A)R^(B) and —NR^(A)—C(O)—(C₁₋₂alkyl);

wherein R⁵ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₄alkyl, —C₂₋₄alkyl-OH, —C₂₋₃alkyl-O—C₁₋₂alkyl, —C₁₋₂alkyl-C(O)O—C₁₋₂alkyl, —C₂₋₃alkyl-OC(O)—C₁₋₂alkyl, —C₂₋₄alkyl-NR^(A)R^(B) and —C₁₋₂alkyl-C(O)NR^(A)R^(B);

and

wherein b is an integer from 0 to 2;

wherein each R⁶ is independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁₋₄alkyl, halogenated C₁₋₄alkyl, —C₁₋₂alkyl-OH, C₁₋₄alkoxy, halogenated C₁₋₄alkoxy, —C₁₋₂alkyl-O—C₁₋₂alkyl, —CO₂H, —C(O)O—C₁₋₄alkyl, —C₁₋₂alkyl-C(O)O—C₁₋₂alkyl, —C₁₋₂alkyl-OC(O)—C₁₋₂alkyl, —C(O)—NR^(A)R^(B), —C₁₋₂alkyl-C(O)—NR^(A)R^(B), —NR^(A)R^(B), —C₁₋₂alkyl-NR^(A)R^(B) and —NR^(A)—C(O)—C₁₋₂alkyl;

and wherein R^(A) and R^(B) are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C₁₋₂alkyl; alternatively R^(A) and R^(B) are taken together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bound to form piperidin-1-yl, piperazin-1-yl, morpholin-4-yl and pyrrolidin-1-yl;

provided that when R³ is 3-methyl-1,2,4-thiadiazol-5-yl, then R¹ is other than unsubstituted indoly-3-yl;

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

The present invention is further directed to processes for the preparation of the compounds of formula (I). The present invention is further directed to a product prepared according to the process described herein.

Illustrative of the invention is a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and the product prepared according to the process described herein. An illustration of the invention is a pharmaceutical composition made by mixing the product prepared according to the process described herein and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Illustrating the invention is a process for making a pharmaceutical composition comprising mixing the product prepared according to the process described herein and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Exemplifying the invention are methods of treating a disorder mediated by SCD1 (selected from the group consisting of obesity, type-II diabetes, Syndrome X (also known as metabolic syndrome), hypertriglyceridemia, dyslipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, mixed dyslipidemia, fatty liver, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, liver fibrosis and NASH) comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of any of the compounds or pharmaceutical compositions described herein.

In an embodiment, the present invention is directed to a compound of formula (I) for use as a medicament. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a compound of formula (I) for use in the treatment of a disorder mediated by SCD1 (selected from the group consisting of obesity, type-II diabetes, Syndrome X (also known as metabolic syndrome), hypertriglyceridemia, dyslipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, mixed dyslipidemia, fatty liver, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, liver fibrosis and NASH). In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a composition comprising a compound of formula (I) for the treatment of a disorder mediated by SCD1 (selected from the group consisting of obesity, type-II diabetes, Syndrome X (also known as metabolic syndrome), hypertriglyceridemia, dyslipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, mixed dyslipidemia, fatty liver, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, liver fibrosis and NASH).

Another example of the invention is the use of any of the compounds described herein in the preparation of a medicament for treating: (a) obesity, (b) type-II diabetes, (c) Syndrome X (also known as metabolic syndrome), (d) hypertriglyceridemia, (e) dyslipidemia, (f) hypercholesterolemia, (g) hyperlipidemia, (h) mixed dyslipidemia, (i) fatty liver, (j) nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, (k) liver fibrosis or (I) NASH, in a subject in need thereof.

In another example, the present invention is directed to a compound as described herein for use in a methods for treating a disorder selected from the group consisting of obesity, type-II diabetes, Syndrome X (also known as metabolic syndrome), hypertriglyceridemia, dyslipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, mixed dyslipidemia, fatty liver, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, liver fibrosis and NASH, in a subject in need thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I)

wherein R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, a, and b are as herein defined. The compounds of the present invention are inhibitors of SCD1 useful in the treatment of metabolic disorders including, but not limited to, obesity, type-II diabetes, Syndrome X (also known as metabolic syndrome), hypertriglyceridemia, dyslipidemia, NASH, hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, mixed dyslipidemia, fatty liver, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, liver fibrosis, and the like.

In an embodiment, the present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I) wherein, R¹ is selected from the group consisting of

a is an integer from 0 to 2; and each R² is independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁₋₂alkyl, C₁₋₂alkoxy, fluorinated C₁₋₂alkyl, and fluorinated C₁₋₂alkoxy.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compound of formula (I) wherein R¹ is selected from the group consisting of

a is an integer from 0 to 2; and each R² is independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁₋₂alkyl, C₁₋₂alkoxy and trifluoromethyl.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compound of formula (I) wherein R¹ is selected from the group consisting of indol-1-yl, 6-fluoro-indol-1-yl, indolin-1-yl, 4-fluoro-indolin-1-yl, 5-fluoro-indolin-1-yl, 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl, 4-chloro-indolin-1-yl, 5-chloro-indolin-1-yl, 6-chloro-indolin-1-yl, 4,6-dichloro-indolin-1-yl, 6-methyl-indolin-1-yl, 6-methoxy-indolin-1-yl, 6-trifluoromethyl-indolin-1-yl, 1H-indazol-1-yl, 4-fluoro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 5-fluoro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 6-fluoro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 3-chloro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 4-chloro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 6-chloro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 4-trifluoromethyl-1H-indazol-1-yl, 6-trifluoromethyl-1H-indazol-1-yl, 2-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-1-yl, 1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol-1-yl, 5-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl, 6-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-1-yl, and 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolin-1-yl.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compound of formula (I) wherein R¹ is selected from the group consisting of indol-1-yl, 6-fluoro-indolyl, indolin-1-yl, 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl, 1H-indazol-1-yl, 4-fluoro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 6-fluoro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 3-chloro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 4-chloro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 6-chloro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 4-trifluoromethyl-1H-indazol-1-yl, 6-trifluoromethyl-1H-indazol-1-yl and 5-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compound of formula (I) wherein R¹ is selected from the group consisting of indol-1-yl, 6-fluoro-indolyl, indolin-1-yl, 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl, 6-fluoro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 3-chloro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 4-chloro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 6-chloro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 6-trifluoromethyl-1H-indazol-1-yl and 5-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compound of formula (I) wherein R¹ is selected from the group consisting of indol-1-yl, indolin-1-yl, 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl, 3-chloro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 4-chloro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 6-chloro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 6-trifluoromethyl-1H-indazol-1-yl and 5-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compound of formula (I) wherein R¹ is selected from the group consisting of indol-1-yl, 6-fluoro-indol-1-yl, indolin-1-yl, 5-fluoro-indolin-1-yl, 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl, 6-chloro-indolin-1-yl, 6-trifluoromethyl-indolin-1-yl, 1H-indazol-1-yl, 4-fluoro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 6-fluoro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 3-chloro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 4-chloro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 6-chloro-1H-indazol-1-yl and 5-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compound of formula (I) wherein R¹ is selected from the group consisting of 6-fluoro-indol-1-yl, indolin-1-yl, 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl, 6-chloro-indolin-1-yl, 6-trifluoromethyl-indolin-1-yl, 1H-indazol-1-yl, 6-fluoro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 3-chloro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 4-chloro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 6-chloro-1H-indazol-1-yl and 5-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compound of formula (I) wherein R¹ is selected from the group consisting of 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl, 6-fluoro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 3-chloro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 4-chloro-1H-indazol-1-yl and 5-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compound of formula (I) wherein R¹ is selected from the group consisting of 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl and 5-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl.

In additional embodiments, the present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I) wherein R¹ is selected to be any one of the following optionally substituted, bicyclic ring structures:

In an embodiment, the present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I) wherein, a is an integer from 0 to 2. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compound of formula (I) wherein, a is an integer from 0 to 1. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compound of formula (I) wherein, a is an integer from 1 to 2. In another In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compound of formula (I) wherein a is 1.

In an embodiment, the present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I) wherein, each R² is independently selected from the group consisting of fluoro, chloro, methyl, methoxy and trifluoromethyl. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I) wherein each R² is independently selected from the group consisting of fluoro, chloro and trifluoromethyl. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I) wherein each R² is independently selected from the group consisting of fluoro and chloro. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I) wherein each R² is fluoro.

In an embodiment, the present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I) wherein, R³ is selected from the group consisting of

wherein R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, C₁₋₄alkyl, fluorinated C₁₋₂alkyl, —C₁₋₂alkyl-OH, C₁₋₂alkoxy, fluorinated C₁₋₂alkoxy, —C₁₋₂alkyl-O—C₁₋₂alkyl, —CO₂H, —C(O)O—C₁₋₂alkyl, —C₁₋₂alkyl-OC(O)—C₁₋₂alkyl, —NR^(A)R^(B), —C₁₋₂alkyl-NR^(A)R^(B), —C(O)—NR^(A)R^(B), —C₁₋₂alkyl-C(O)—NR^(A)R^(B) and —NR^(A)—C(O)—(C₁₋₂alkyl);

wherein R⁵ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₄alkyl, —C₂₋₄alkyl-OH, —C₂₋₃alkyl-O—C₁₋₂alkyl, —C₁₋₂alkyl-C(O)O—C₁₋₂alkyl, —C₂₋₄alkyl-NR^(A)R^(B) and —C₁₋₂alkyl-C(O)NR^(A)R^(B);

and

wherein b is an integer from 0 to 1; and wherein each R⁶ is independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁₋₄alkyl, fluorinated C₁₋₂alkyl, —C₁₋₂alkyl-OH, C₁₋₂alkoxy, fluorinated C₁₋₂alkoxy, —CO₂H, —C(O)O—C₁₋₄alkyl, —C₁₋₂alkyl-C(O)O—C₁₋₂alkyl, —C(O)—NR^(A)R^(B), —C₁₋₂alkyl-C(O)—NR^(A)R^(B), —NR^(A)R^(B) and —C₁₋₂alkyl-NR^(A)R^(B).

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compound of formula (I) wherein, R³ is selected from the group consisting of

wherein R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, C₁₋₂alkyl, trifluoromethyl, —C₁₋₂alkyl-OH, C₁₋₂alkoxy, —C₁₋₂alkyl-O—C₁₋₂alkyl, —C₁₋₂alkyl-OC(O)—C₁₋₂alkyl, —NR^(A)R^(B), —C₁₋₂alkyl-NR^(A)R^(B), —C(O)—NR^(A)R^(B). and —NR^(A)—C(O)—(C₁₋₂alkyl);

wherein R⁵ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₃alkyl, —C₂alkyl-OH, —C₂₋₃alkyl-O—C₁₋₂alkyl, —C₁₋₂alkyl-C(O)O—C₁₋₂alkyl, —C₂₋₄alkyl-NR^(A)R^(B) and —C₁₋₂alkyl-C(O)NR^(A)R^(B);

and

wherein b is 1; and wherein R⁶ is selected from the group consisting of, halogen, C₁₋₂alkyl, trifluoromethyl, —C₁₋₂alkyl-OH, —CO₂H, —C(O)O—C₁₋₄alkyl and —C(O)—NR^(A)R^(B).

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compound of formula (I) wherein, R³ is selected from the group consisting of

-   (a) pyrazol-1-yl, 3-methyl-pyrazol-1-yl, 4-methyl-pyrazol-1-yl,     4-(hydroxymethyl)pyrazol-1-yl, 4-(hydroxyethyl)-pyrazol-1-yl,     4-(methoxy-methyl)-pyrazol-1-yl, 4-(ethoxy-methyl)-pyrazol-1-yl,     4-(methylamino-methyl)-pyrazol-1-yl; -   (b) imidazol-1-yl, 2-methyl-imidazol-1-yl, 4-methyl-imidazol-1-yl,     4-(hydroxymethyl)-imidazol-1-yl; -   (c) 5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl,     5-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl,     5-(methylcarbonyl-oxy-methyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl; -   (d) 4-methyl-thien-2-yl, 5-methyl-thien-2-yl; -   (e) 4-methyl-thiazol-2-yl, 5-methyl-thiazol-2-yl; -   (f) 3-methyl-1,2,4-thiadiazol-5-yl; -   (g) pyrid-3-yl, 6-methyl-pyrid-3-yl, 6-methoxy-pyrid-3-yl,     6-(hydroxymethyl)-pyrid-3-yl, 6-(trifluoromethyl)-pyrid-3-yl,     6-(methylamino-carbonyl)-pyrid-3-yl, 6-(dimethylamino)-pyrid-3-yl,     6-(methylcarbonyl-amino)-pyrid-3-yl; -   (h) 2-methyl-pyrid-4-yl; -   (i) 2-methyl-pyrimidin-5-yl, 2-methoxy-pyrimidin-5-yl; -   (j) 1H-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-methyl-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-ethyl-pyrazol-4-yl,     1-(n-propyl)-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-(hydroxyethyl)-pyrazol-4-yl,     1-(ethoxycarbonyl-methyl)-pyrazol-4-yl,     1-(aminocarbonyl-methyl)-pyrazol-4-yl,     1-(methylamino-carbonyl-methyl)-pyrazol-4-yl,     1-(morpholin-4-yl-ethyl)-pyrazol-4-yl,     1-(ethoxy-ethyl)-pyrazol-4-yl; and -   (k) 4-fluoro-phenyl, 4-methyl-phenyl, 4-(hydroxymethyl)-phenyl,     4-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl, 4-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-phenyl,     4-(carboxy)-phenyl, 4-(aminocarbonyl)-phenyl.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compound of formula (I) wherein, R³ is selected from the group consisting of

-   (a) 4-methyl-pyrazol-1-yl, 4-(hydroxymethyl)-pyrazol-1-yl,     4-(hydroxyethyl)-pyrazol-1-yl, 4-(methoxy-methyl)-pyrazol-1-yl,     4-(ethoxy-methyl)-pyrazol-1-yl; -   (b) 4-methyl-imidazol-1-yl, 4-(hydroxymethyl)-imidazol-1-yl; -   (c) 5-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl; -   (e) 4-methyl-thiazol-2-yl, 5-methyl-thiazol-2-yl; -   (f) 3-methyl-1,2,4-thiadiazol-5-yl; -   (g) 6-methyl-pyrid-3-yl, 6-methoxy-pyrid-3-yl,     6-(hydroxymethyl)-pyrid-3-yl, 6-(trifluoromethyl)-pyrid-3-yl,     6-(methylamino-carbonyl)-pyrid-3-yl, 6-(dimethylamino)-pyrid-3-yl,     6-(methylcarbonyl-amino)-pyrid-3-yl; -   (i) 2-methoxy-pyrimidin-5-yl; -   (j) 1H-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-methyl-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-ethyl-pyrazol-4-yl,     1-(n-propyl)-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-(hydroxyethyl)-pyrazol-4-yl,     1-(ethoxycarbonyl-methyl)-pyrazol-4-yl,     1-(methylamino-carbonyl-methyl)-pyrazol-4-yl,     1-(ethoxy-ethyl)-pyrazol-4-yl; and -   (k) 4-methyl-phenyl, 4-(hydroxymethyl)-phenyl.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compound of formula (I) wherein, R³ is selected from the group consisting of

-   (a) 4-methyl-pyrazol-1-yl, 4-(hydroxymethyl)-pyrazol-1-yl,     4-(hydroxyethyl)-pyrazol-1-yl, 4-(methoxy-methyl)-pyrazol-1-yl,     4-(ethoxy-methyl)-pyrazol-1-yl; -   (b) 4-methyl-imidazol-1-yl, 4-(hydroxymethyl)-imidazol-1-yl; -   (c) 5-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl; -   (e) 4-methyl-thiazol-2-yl, 5-methyl-thiazol-2-yl; -   (f) 3-methyl-1,2,4-thiadiazol-5-yl; -   (g) 6-methyl-pyrid-3-yl, 6-methoxy-pyrid-3-yl,     6-(hydroxymethyl)-pyrid-3-yl, 6-(trifluoromethyl)-pyrid-3-yl,     6-(methylamino-carbonyl)-pyrid-3-yl, 6-(dimethylamino)-pyrid-3-yl,     6-(methylcarbonyl-amino)-pyrid-3-yl; -   (i) 2-methoxy-pyrimidin-5-yl; -   (j) 1H-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-methyl-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-ethyl-pyrazol-4-yl,     1-(n-propyl)-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-(hydroxyethyl)-pyrazol-4-yl,     1-(ethoxycarbonyl-methyl)-pyrazol-4-yl,     1-(methylamino-carbonyl-methyl)-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-(ethoxy-ethyl)     pyrazol-4-yl; and -   (k) 4-(hydroxymethyl)-phenyl.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compound of formula (I) wherein, R³ is selected from the group consisting of

-   (a) 4-methyl-pyrazol-1-yl, 4-(hydroxymethyl)-pyrazol-1-yl,     4-(methoxy-methyl)pyrazol-1-yl, 4-(ethoxy-methyl)-pyrazol-1-yl; -   (b) 4-methyl-imidazol-1-yl, 4-(hydroxymethyl)-imidazol-1-yl; -   (c) 5-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl; -   (e) 4-methyl-thiazol-2-yl, 5-methyl-thiazol-2-yl; -   (f) 3-methyl-1,2,4-thiadiazol-5-yl; -   (g) 6-methyl-pyrid-3-yl, 6-methoxy-pyrid-3-yl,     6-(hydroxymethyl)-pyrid-3-yl, 6-(trifluoromethyl)-pyrid-3-yl,     6-(dimethylamino)-pyrid-3-yl, 6-(methylcarbonyl-amino)pyrid-3-yl; -   (i) 2-methoxy-pyrimidin-5-yl; -   (j) 1-methyl-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-ethyl-pyrazol-4-yl,     1-(n-propyl)-pyrazol-4-yl,     1-(methylamino-carbonyl-methyl)-pyrazol-4-yl and     1-(ethoxy-ethyl)-pyrazol-4-yl.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compound of formula (I) wherein, R³ is selected from the group consisting of

-   (a) 3-methyl-pyrazol-1-yl, 4-methyl-pyrazol-1-yl,     4-(hydroxymethyl)-pyrazol-1-yl, 4-(hydroxyethyl)-pyrazol-1-yl,     4-(methoxy-methyl)-pyrazol-1-yl, 4-(ethoxy-methyl)-pyrazol-1-yl; -   (b) 4-methyl-imidazol-1-yl, 4-(hydroxymethyl)-imidazol-1-yl; -   (c) 5-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl; -   (d) 4-methyl-thien-2-yl, 5-methyl-thien-2-yl; -   (e) 4-methyl-thiazol-2-yl, 5-methyl-thiazol-2-yl; -   (f) 3-methyl-1,2,4-thiadiazol-5-yl; -   (g) 6-methyl-pyrid-3-yl, 6-methoxy-pyrid-3-yl,     6-(hydroxymethyl)-pyrid-3-yl, 6-(trifluoromethyl)-pyrid-3-yl,     6-(methylamino-carbonyl)-pyrid-3-yl, 6-(dimethylamino)-pyrid-3-yl,     6-(methylcarbonyl-amino)-pyrid-3-yl; -   (h) 2-methyl-pyrid-4-yl; -   (i) 2-methoxy-pyrimidin-5-yl; -   (j) 1H-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-methyl-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-ethyl-pyrazol-4-yl,     1-(n-propyl)-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-(hydroxyethyl)-pyrazol-4-yl,     1-(ethoxycarbonyl-methyl)-pyrazol-4-yl,     1-(methylamino-carbonyl-methyl)-pyrazol-4-yl,     1-(ethoxy-ethyl)-pyrazol-4-yl; and -   (k) 4-methyl-phenyl, 4-(hydroxymethyl)-phenyl,     4-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compound of formula (I) wherein, R³ is selected from the group consisting of

-   (a) 4-methyl-pyrazol-1-yl, 4-(hydroxymethyl)-pyrazol-1-yl,     4-(hydroxyethyl)-pyrazol-1-yl, 4-(methoxy-methyl)-pyrazol-1-yl,     4-(ethoxy-methyl)-pyrazol-1-yl; -   (b) 4-(hydroxymethyl)-imidazol-1-yl; -   (c) 5-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl; -   (d) 4-methyl-thien-2-yl, 5-methyl-thien-2-yl; -   (e) 4-methyl-thiazol-2-yl, 5-methyl-thiazol-2-yl; -   (f) 3-methyl-1,2,4-thiadiazol-5-yl; -   (g) 6-methyl-pyrid-3-yl, 6-methoxy-pyrid-3-yl,     6-(hydroxymethyl)-pyrid-3-yl, 6-(trifluoromethyl)-pyrid-3-yl,     6-(methylamino-carbonyl)-pyrid-3-yl, 6-(dimethylamino)-pyrid-3-yl,     6-(methylcarbonyl-amino)-pyrid-3-yl; -   (h) 2-methyl-pyrid-4-yl; -   (i) 2-methoxy-pyrimidin-5-yl; -   (j) 1H-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-methyl-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-ethyl-pyrazol-4-yl,     1-(hydroxyethyl)-pyrazol-4-yl,     1-(ethoxycarbonyl-methyl)-pyrazol-4-yl,     1-(methylamino-carbonyl-methyl)-pyrazol-4-yl; and -   (k) 4-methyl-phenyl, 4-(hydroxymethyl)-phenyl.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compound of formula (I) wherein, R³ is selected from the group consisting of

-   (a) 4-(hydroxymethyl)-pyrazol-1-yl, 4-(hydroxyethyl)-pyrazol-1-yl,     4-(ethoxy-methyl)-pyrazol-1-yl; -   (b) 4-(hydroxymethyl)-imidazol-1-yl; -   (c) 5-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl; -   (d) 4-methyl-thien-2-yl, 5-methyl-thien-2-yl; -   (e) 4-methyl-thiazol-2-yl, 5-methyl-thiazol-2-yl; -   (g) 6-methyl-pyrid-3-yl, 6-methoxy-pyrid-3-yl,     6-(hydroxymethyl)-pyrid-3-yl, 6-(trifluoromethyl)-pyrid-3-yl,     6-(methylamino-carbonyl)-pyrid-3-yl; -   (h) 2-methyl-pyrid-4-yl; -   (i) 2-methoxy-pyrimidin-5-yl; -   (j) 1-methyl-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-(hydroxyethyl)-pyrazol-4-yl,     1-(methylamino-carbonyl-methyl)-pyrazol-4-yl; and -   (k) 4-methyl-phenyl, 4-(hydroxymethyl)-phenyl.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compound of formula (I) wherein, R³ is selected from the group consisting of (a) 4-(ethoxymethyl)-pyrazol-1-yl; (e) 4-methyl-thiazol-2-yl; (i) 6-methyl-pyrid-3-yl, 6-methoxy-pyrid-3-yl, 6-(hydroxymethyl)-pyrid-3-yl; and (k) 1-methyl-pyrazol-3-yl).

In additional embodiments, the present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I) wherein R³ is selected to be any one of the following optionally substituted, bicyclic ring structures:

In an embodiment, the present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I) wherein, R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of methyl, trifluoromethyl, hydroxymethyl-, hydroxyethyl-, methoxy, methoxy-methyl-, ethoxy-methyl-, methylcarbonyl-oxy-methyl-, dimethylamino-, methylamino-methyl-, methylamino-carbonyl- and methylcarbonyl-amino.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I) wherein R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of methyl, trifluoromethyl, hydroxymethyl-, hydroxyethyl-, methoxy, methoxy-methyl-, ethoxy-methyl-, dimethylamino-, methylamino-carbonyl- and methylcarbonyl-amino. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I) wherein R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of methyl, trifluoromethyl, hydroxymethyl-, methoxy, methoxy-methyl-, ethoxy-methyl-, dimethylamino- and methylcarbonyl-amino. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I) wherein R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of methyl, trifluoromethyl, hydroxymethyl-, hydroxyethyl-, methoxy, ethoxy-methyl- and methylamino-carbonyl-. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I) wherein R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of methyl, hydroxymethyl-, methoxy and ethoxy-methyl-. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I) wherein R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of methyl and hydroxymethyl. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I) wherein R⁴ is methyl.

In an embodiment, the present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I) wherein, R⁵ is selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, hydroxyethyl-, ethoxycarbonyl-methyl-, aminocarbonyl-methyl-, methylamino-carbonyl-methyl-, morpholinyl-ethyl- and ethoxy-ethyl-.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I) wherein R⁵ is selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, hydroxyethyl-, ethoxycarbonyl-methyl-, methylamino-carbonyl-methyl- and ethoxy-ethyl-. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I) wherein R⁵ is selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, methylamino-carbonyl-methyl- and ethoxy-ethyl-.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I) wherein R⁵ is selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, hydroxethyl-, ethoxycarbonyl-methyl- and methylaminocarbonyl-methyl-. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I) wherein R⁵ is selected from the group consisting of methyl, hydroxyethyl- and methylamino-carbonyl-methyl-. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I) wherein R⁵ is methyl.

In an embodiment, the present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I) wherein, b is an integer from 0 to 1. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compound of formula (I) wherein, b is an integer from 1 to 2. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compound of formula (I) wherein b is 1.

In an embodiment, the present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I) wherein, each R⁶ is independently selected from the group consisting of fluoro, methyl, hydroxymethyl, trifluoromethyl, tert-butoxycarbonyl, carboxy and aminocarbonyl. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I) wherein each R⁶ is independently selected from the group consisting of methyl, hydroxymethyl and trifluoromethyl. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I) wherein each R⁶ is independently selected from the group consisting of methyl and hydroxymethyl. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I) wherein R⁶ is hydroxymethyl.

In an embodiment, the present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I) wherein, R^(A) and R^(B) are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and methyl.

In an embodiment, the present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I) wherein, R^(A) and R^(B) are taken together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bound to form piperidin-1-yl, piperazin-1-yl, morpholin-4-yl and pyrrolidin-1-yl. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compound of formula (I) wherein, R^(A) and R^(B) are taken together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bound to form piperidin-1-yl, piperazin-1-yl and morpholin-4-yl. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compound of formula (I) wherein, R^(A) and R^(B) are taken together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bound to form piperidin-1-yl. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compound of formula (I) wherein, R^(A) and R^(B) are taken together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bound to form pyrrolidin-1-yl.

In an embodiment, the present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I) wherein, when R¹ is indol-3-yl, then R³ is other than

wherein R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₄alkyl, —C₁₋₂alkyl-OH, C₁₋₄alkoxy and —NR^(A)R^(B). In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I) wherein, when R¹ is

then R³ is other than

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I) wherein R¹ is other than

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I) wherein R¹ is other than

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I) wherein R³ is other than

wherein R⁴ is C₁₋₄alkyl. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I) wherein R³ is other than

wherein R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₄alkyl, —C₁₋₂alkyl-OH, C₁₋₄alkoxy and —NR^(A)R^(B). In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I) wherein R³ is other than

Additional embodiments of the present invention, include those wherein the substituents selected for one or more of the variables defined herein (i.e. R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, a, and b) are independently selected to be any individual substituent or any subset of substituents selected from the complete list as defined herein.

In another embodiment of the present invention is any single compound or subset of compounds selected from the representative compounds listed in Table 1, below. Representative compounds of the present invention are as listed in Table 1, below. Unless otherwise noted, wherein a stereogenic center is present in the listed compound, the compound was prepared as a mixture of stereo-configurations. Where a stereogenic center is present, the S*- and R* designations are intended to indicate that the exact stereo-configuration of the center has not been determined.

TABLE 1 Representative Compounds of Formula (I)

ID No. R¹ R³ 1 indolin-1-yl 4-methyl-imidazol-1-yl 3 5-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl 1-methyl-pyrazol-4-yl 4 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl 4-methyl-imidazol-1-yl 5 5-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl 3-methyl-1,2,4-thiadiazol-5-yl 6 indol-1-yl 3-methyl-1,2,4-thiadiazol-5-yl 7 indolin-1-yl 3-methyl-1,2,4-thiadiazol-5-yl 8 5-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl pyrid-3-yl 9 indol-1-yl 1-methyl-pyrazol-4-yl 10 indolin-1-yl 1-methyl-pyrazol-4-yl 11 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl 1-methyl-pyrazol-4-yl 12 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl 3-methyl-1,2,4-thiadiazol-5-yl 13 5-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl 1-ethyl-pyrazol-4-yl 15 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl 4-(hydroxymethyl)-imidazol- 1-yl 16 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl 4-methyl-pyrazol-1-yl 18 5-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl 5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl 19 5-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl 5-(methylcarbonyl-oxy- methyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl 20 5-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl 5-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3,4- oxadiazol-2-yl 21 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl 1-ethyl-pyrazol-4-yl 22 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl 4-(hydroxymethyl)-pyrazol- 1-yl 23 5-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl 4-methyl-thiazol-2-yl 24 5-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl 6-methyl-pyrid-3-yl 25 5-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl 2-methyl-pyrid-4-yl 26 5-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl 1H-pyrazol-4-yl 27 5-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl 4-methyl-thien-2-yl 28 5-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl 5-methyl-thiazol-2-yl 29 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl 4-methyl-thiazol-2-yl 30 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl 6-methyl-pyrid-3-yl 31 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl 5-methyl-thiazol-2-yl 32 5-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl 4-methyl-phenyl 33 5-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl 6-methoxy-pyrid-3-yl 34 5-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl 2-methoxy-pyrimidin-5-yl 35 5-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl 6-(hydroxymethyl)-pyrid-3-yl 36 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl 4-methyl-phenyl 37 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl 6-methoxy-pyrid-3-yl 38 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl 2-methoxy-pyrimidin-5-yl 39 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl 6-(hydroxymethyl)-pyrid-3-yl 40 1H-indazol-1-yl 1-methyl-pyrazol-4-yl 41 2-(trifluoromethyl)-1H- 1-methyl-pyrazol-4-yl benzo[d]imidazol-1-yl 42 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl 6-(methylamino)-pyrazol-3-yl 43 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl 4-(hydroxyehtyl)-pyrazol-1-yl 44 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl 6-(dimethylamino)-pyrid-3-yl 45 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl 6-(methylcarbonyl-amino)- pyrid-3-yl 46 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl 1-methyl-pyrazol-4-yl 47 6-fluoro-1H-indolin-1-yl 1-methyl-pyrazol-4-yl 48 1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]-triazol-1-yl 1-methyl-pyrazol-4-yl 49 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl 1-(hydroxyethyl)-pyrazol 4-yl 50 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl 1-(ethoxycarbonyl-methyl)- pyrazol-4-yl 51 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl 4-(hydroxymethyl)-phenyl 52 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl 5-methyl-thien-2-yl 53 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl 4-fluoro-phenyl 54 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl 4-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl 55 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl 4-(tert-butoxy-carbonyl)- phenyl 56 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl 4-(aminocarbonyl)-phenyl 57 6-methyl-indolin-1-yl 1-methyl-pyrazol-4-yl 58 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl 4-(carboxy)-phenyl 59 6-chloro-indolin-1-yl 1-methyl-pyrazol-4-yl 60 6-trifluoromethyl-indolin-1-yl 1-methyl-pyrazol-4-yl 61 4-chloro-1H-indazol-1-yl 1-methyl-pyrazol-4-yl 62 6-methoxy-indolin-1-yl 1-methyl-pyrazol-4-yl 63 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl 1-methyl-pyrazol-4-yl 64 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl 1-(methylamino-carbonyl- methyl)-pyrazol-4-yl 65 5-chloro-indolin-1-yl 1-methyl-pyrazol-4-yl 66 4-fluoro-indolin-1-yl 1-methyl-pyrazol-4-yl 67 4-chloro-indolin-1-yl 1-methyl-pyrazol-4-yl 68 4,6-dichloro-indolin-1-yl 1-methyl-pyrazol-4-yl 69 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl 1-(aminocarbonyl-methyl)- pyrazol-4-yl 70 4-fluoro-1H-indolin-1-yl 1-methyl-pyrazol-4-yl 71 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl 1-(morpholin-4-yl-ethyl)- pyrazol-4-yl 72 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl 4-(ethoxy-ethyl)-pyrazol-1-yl 73 5-fluoro-1H-indazol-1-yl 1-methyl-pyrazol-4-yl 74 6-chloro-1H-indazol-1-yl 1-methyl-pyrazol-4-yl 75 5-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl 1-(ethoxy-ethyl)-pyrazol-4-yl 76 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl 6-(trifluoromethyl)-pyrid-3-yl 77 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl 1H-pyrazol-4-yl 78 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl 1-(ethoxy-ethyl)-pyrazol-4-yl 79 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl 1-(n-propyl)-pyrazol-4-yl 80 4-trifluoromethyl-1H-indazol- 1-methyl-pyrazol-4-yl 1-yl 81 6-trifluoromethyl-1H-indazol- 1-methyl-pyrazol-4-yl 1-yl 82 6-fluoro-1H-indazol-1-yl 1-(hydroxyethyl)-pyrazol-4-yl 83 3-chloro-1H-indazol-1-yl 1-methyl-pyrazol-4-yl 84 5-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl imidazol-1-yl 85 5-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl 4-methyl-imidazol-1-yl 87 5-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl pyrazol-1-yl 88 indol-1-yl 4-methyl-imidazol-1-yl 89 6-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl 4-methyl-imidazol-1-yl 90 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolin-1-yl 4-methyl-imidazol-1-yl 91 5-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl 4-(hydroxymethyl)-imidazol- 1-yl 92 5-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl 3-methyl-pyrazol-1-yl 93 5-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl 2-methyl-imidazol-1-yl 94 5-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl 4-methyl-pyrazol-1-yl 95 5-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl 4-(hydroxymethyl)-pyrazol- 1-yl 96 5-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl 4-(methoxy-methyl)-pyrazol- 1-yl 97 5-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl 4-(methylamino-methyl)- pyrazol-1-yl 98 5-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl 4-(hydroxyethyl)-pyrazol-1-yl

Table 2 below, lists representative intermediates in the synthesis of the compounds of formula (I) of the present invention.

TABLE 2 Intermediates in Synthesis of Compounds of Formula (I)

ID No R¹ R⁰ I1 5-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl —C(O)—NH—NH₂ I2 5-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl —C(O)—NH—NH—C(O)—CH₃

As used herein, “halogen” shall mean chlorine, bromine, fluorine and iodine.

As used herein, the term “alkyl” whether used alone or as part of a substituent group, include straight and branched chains. For example, alkyl radicals include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl and the like. Similarly, the term “C_(X-Y)alkyl”, wherein X and Y are each integers shall include straight and branched chains containing between X and Y carbon atoms. For example, “C₁₋₄alkyl” shall mean straight and branched chains between 1 and 4 carbon atoms and include methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl and t-butyl. One skilled in the art will recognize that the term “—(C₁₋₄alkyl)-” shall denote any C₁₋₄alkyl carbon chain as herein defined, wherein said C₁₋₄alkyl chain is divalent and is further bound through two points of attachment, preferably through two terminal carbon atoms.

As used herein, unless otherwise noted, the term “halogenated C₁₋₄alkyl” shall mean any C₁₋₄alkyl group as defined above substituted with at least one halogen atom, preferably substituted with a least one fluoro atom. Suitable examples include but are not limited to —CH₂F, —CF₃, —CH₂Cl, —CCl₃, —CH₂—CF₃, —CH₂—CCl₃, —CF₂—CF₂—CF₂—CF₃, and the like. Similarly, the term “fluorinated C₁₋₄alkyl” shall mean any C₁₋₄alkyl group as defined above substituted with at least one fluoro atom. Suitable examples include but are not limited to —CH₂F, —CHF₂, —CF₃, —CH₂—CF₃, —CF₂—CF₂—CF₂—CF₃, and the like.

As used herein, unless otherwise noted, “alkoxy” shall denote an oxygen ether radical of the above described straight or branched chain alkyl groups. For example, methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, sec-butoxy, t-butoxy, n-hexyloxy and the like. Similarly, the term “C_(X-Y)alkoxy”, wherein X and Y are each integers shall include oxygen ether radicals of straight or branched chain alkyl groups containing between X and Y carbon atoms. For example, “C₁₋₄alkoxy” shall mean straight and branched chains between 1 and 4 carbon atoms and include methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, n-butoxy, isobutoxy, sec-butoxy and tert-butoxy.

When a particular group is “substituted”, that group may have one or more substituents, preferably from one to five substituents, more preferably from one to three substituents, most preferably from one to two substituents, independently selected from the list of substituents. With reference to substituents, the term “independently” means that when more than one of such substituents is possible, such substituents may be the same or different from each other.

As used herein, the notation “*” shall denote the presence of a stereogenic center.

Where the compounds according to this invention have at least one chiral center, they may accordingly exist as enantiomers. Where the compounds possess two or more chiral centers, they may additionally exist as diastereomers. It is to be understood that all such isomers and mixtures thereof are encompassed within the scope of the present invention. Preferably, wherein the compound is present as an enantiomer, the enantiomer is present at an enantiomeric excess of greater than or equal to about 80%, more preferably, at an enantiomeric excess of greater than or equal to about 90%, more preferably still, at an enantiomeric excess of greater than or equal to about 95%, more preferably still, at an enantiomeric excess of greater than or equal to about 98%, most preferably, at an enantiomeric excess of greater than or equal to about 99%. Similarly, wherein the compound is present as a diastereomer, the diastereomer is present at an diastereomeric excess of greater than or equal to about 80%, more preferably, at an diastereomeric excess of greater than or equal to about 90%, more preferably still, at an diastereomeric excess of greater than or equal to about 95%, more preferably still, at an diastereomeric excess of greater than or equal to about 98%, most preferably, at an diastereomeric excess of greater than or equal to about 99%.

Furthermore, some of the crystalline forms for the compounds of the present invention may exist as polymorphs and as such are intended to be included in the present invention. In addition, some of the compounds of the present invention may form solvates with water (i.e., hydrates) or common organic solvents, and such solvates are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of this invention.

Under standard nomenclature used throughout this disclosure, the terminal portion of the designated side chain is described first, followed by the adjacent functionality toward the point of attachment. Thus, for example, a “phenylC₁-C₆alkylaminocarbonylC₁-C₆alkyl” substituent refers to a group of the formula

Abbreviations used in the specification, particularly the Schemes and Examples, are as follows:

aq. = Aqueous ATP = Adenosine Triphosphate Boc or tert-Boc = Tert-Butoxycarbonyl BSA = Bovine Serum Albumin CBz = Carboxybenzyl (i.e. —C(O)—CH₂-phenyl) CoA = Coenzyme-A DCE = Dichloroethane DCM = Dichloromethane DDQ = 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyanobenzoquinone DIPEA or DIEA = Diisopropylethylamine or (i-Pr)₂Net DMEM = Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium DMF = N,N-Dimethylformamide DMSO = Dimethylsulfoxide EDTA = Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetic Acid Et₃N = Triethylamine Et₂O = Diethyl ether EtOAc = Ethyl acetate EtOH = Ethanol FBS = Fetal Bovine Serum HBSS = Hanks' Buffered Salt Solution HPLC = High Pressure Liquid Chromatography HPMC = Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose LiHMDS = Lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide MeOH = Methanol Mesyl = Methylsulfonyl NaBH(OAc)₃ = Sodium triacetoxyborohydride β-NADH = beta-Nicotinamide-Adenine Dinucleotide (reduced) NaHMDS = Sodium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide NASH = Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis PBS = Phosphate Buffered Saline Pd₂(dppf)Cl₂ = 1,1′-Bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene- palladium(II)dichloride Pd(PPh₃)₄ = Tetrakistriphenylphosphine palladium (0) Pd(PPh₃)₂Cl₂ = Bis(triphenylphosphine)palladium (II) chloride RLM = Rat Liver Microsomes SCD1 = Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase 1 Sn(n-butyl)₃ = Tri(n-butyl) Tin TEA = Triethylamine TFA = Trifluoroacetic Acid THF = Tetrahydrofuran TLC = Thin Layer Chromatography TMSI = Iodotrimethylsilane Tosyl = p-Toluenesulfonyl Tris HCl or Tris-Cl = Tris[hydroxymethyl]aminomethyl hydrochloride p-TSA = para-Toluene Sulfonic Acid

As used herein, unless otherwise noted, the term “isolated form” shall mean that the compound is present in a form which is separate from any solid mixture with another compound(s), solvent system or biological environment. In an embodiment of the present invention, the compound of formula (I) is present in an isolated form.

As used herein, unless otherwise noted, the term “substantially pure form” shall mean that the mole percent of impurities in the isolated compound is less than about 5 mole percent, preferably less than about 2 mole percent, more preferably, less than about 0.5 mole percent, most preferably, less than about 0.1 mole percent. In an embodiment of the present invention, the compound of formula (I) is present as a substantially pure form.

As used herein, unless otherwise noted, the term “substantially free of a corresponding salt form(s)” when used to described the compound of formula (I) shall mean that mole percent of the corresponding salt form(s) in the isolated base of formula (I) is less than about 5 mole percent, preferably less than about 2 mole percent, more preferably, less than about 0.5 mole percent, most preferably less than about 0.1 mole percent. In an embodiment of the present invention, the compound of formula (I) is present in a form which is substantially free of corresponding salt form(s).

As used herein, unless otherwise noted, the term “SCD1 disorder” shall include obesity, type-II diabetes, Syndrome X (also known as metabolic syndrome), hypertriglyceridemia, dyslipidemia, NASH (Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis), hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, mixed dyslipidemia, fatty liver, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and liver fibrosis. Preferably, the SCD1 disorders is obesity or type-II diabetes, more preferably type-II diabetes.

As used herein, unless otherwise noted, the terms “treating”, “treatment” and the like, shall include the management and care of a subject or patient (preferably mammal, more preferably human) for the purpose of combating a disease, condition, or disorder and includes the administration of a compound of the present invention to prevent the onset of the symptoms or complications, alleviate the symptoms or complications, or eliminate the disease, condition, or disorder.

As used herein, unless otherwise noted, the term “prevention” shall include (a) reduction in the frequency of one or more symptoms; (b) reduction in the severity of one or more symptoms; (c) the delay or avoidance of the development of additional symptoms; and/or (d) delay or avoidance of the development of the disorder or condition.

One skilled in the art will recognize that wherein the present invention is directed to methods of prevention, a subject in need of thereof (i.e. a subject in need of prevention) shall include any subject or patient (preferably a mammal, more preferably a human) who has experienced or exhibited at least one symptom of the disorder, disease or condition to be prevented. Further, a subject in need thereof may additionally be a subject (preferably a mammal, more preferably a human) who has not exhibited any symptoms of the disorder, disease or condition to be prevented, but who has been deemed by a physician, clinician or other medical profession to be at risk of developing said disorder, disease or condition. For example, the subject may be deemed at risk of developing a disorder, disease or condition (and therefore in need of prevention or preventive treatment) as a consequence of the subject's medical history, including, but not limited to, family history, pre-disposition, co-existing (comorbid) disorders or conditions, genetic testing, and the like.

The term “subject” as used herein, refers to an animal, preferably a mammal, most preferably a human, who has been the object of treatment, observation or experiment. Preferably, the subject has experienced and/or exhibited at least one symptom of the disease or disorder to be treated and/or prevented.

The term “therapeutically effective amount” as used herein, means that amount of active compound or pharmaceutical agent that elicits the biological or medicinal response in a tissue system, animal or human that is being sought by a researcher, veterinarian, medical doctor or other clinician, which includes alleviation of the symptoms of the disease or disorder being treated.

As used herein, the term “composition” is intended to encompass a product comprising the specified ingredients in the specified amounts, as well as any product which results, directly or indirectly, from combinations of the specified ingredients in the specified amounts.

As more extensively provided in this written description, terms such as “reacting” and “reacted” are used herein in reference to a chemical entity that is any one of: (a) the actually recited form of such chemical entity, and (b) any of the forms of such chemical entity in the medium in which the compound is being considered when named.

One skilled in the art will recognize that, where not otherwise specified, the reaction step(s) is performed under suitable conditions, according to known methods, to provide the desired product. One skilled in the art will further recognize that, in the specification and claims as presented herein, wherein a reagent or reagent class/type (e.g. base, solvent, etc.) is recited in more than one step of a process, the individual reagents are independently selected for each reaction step and may be the same of different from each other. For example wherein two steps of a process recite an organic or inorganic base as a reagent, the organic or inorganic base selected for the first step may be the same or different than the organic or inorganic base of the second step. Further, one skilled in the art will recognize that wherein a reaction step of the present invention may be carried out in a variety of solvents or solvent systems, said reaction step may also be carried out in a mixture of the suitable solvents or solvent systems. One skilled in the art will further recognize that wherein two consecutive reaction or process steps are run without isolation of the intermediate product (i.e. the product of the first of the two consecutive reaction or process steps), then the first and second reaction or process steps may be run in the same solvent or solvent system; or alternatively may be run in different solvents or solvent systems following solvent exchange, which may be completed according to known methods.

To provide a more concise description, some of the quantitative expressions given herein are not qualified with the term “about”. It is understood that whether the term “about” is used explicitly or not, every quantity given herein is meant to refer to the actual given value, and it is also meant to refer to the approximation to such given value that would reasonably be inferred based on the ordinary skill in the art, including approximations due to the experimental and/or measurement conditions for such given value.

To provide a more concise description, some of the quantitative expressions herein are recited as a range from about amount X to about amount Y. It is understood that wherein a range is recited, the range is not limited to the recited upper and lower bounds, but rather includes the full range from about amount X through about amount Y, or any amount or range therein.

Examples of suitable solvents, bases, reaction temperatures, and other reaction parameters and components are provided in the detailed descriptions which follows herein. One skilled in the art will recognize that the listing of said examples is not intended, and should not be construed, as limiting in any way the invention set forth in the claims which follow thereafter. One skilled in the art will further recognize that wherein a reaction step of the present invention may be carried out in a variety of solvents or solvent systems, said reaction step may also be carried out in a mixture of the suitable solvents or solvent systems.

As used herein, unless otherwise noted, the term “leaving group” shall mean a charged or uncharged atom or group which departs during a substitution or displacement reaction. Suitable examples include, but are not limited to, Br, Cl, I, mesylate, tosylate, and the like.

During any of the processes for preparation of the compounds of the present invention, it may be necessary and/or desirable to protect sensitive or reactive groups on any of the molecules concerned. This may be achieved by means of conventional protecting groups, such as those described in Protective Groups in Organic Chemistry, ed. J. F. W. McOmie, Plenum Press, 1973; and T.W. Greene & P.G.M. Wuts, Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, John Wiley & Sons, 1991. The protecting groups may be removed at a convenient subsequent stage using methods known from the art.

As used herein, unless otherwise noted, the term “nitrogen protecting group” shall mean a group which may be attached to a nitrogen atom to protect said nitrogen atom from participating in a reaction and which may be readily removed following the reaction. Suitable nitrogen protecting groups include, but are not limited to carbamates—groups of the formula —C(O)O—R wherein R is for example methyl, ethyl, t-butyl, benzyl, phenylethyl, CH₂═CH—CH₂—, and the like; amides—groups of the formula —C(O)—R′ wherein R′ is for example methyl, phenyl, trifluoromethyl, and the like; N-sulfonyl derivatives—groups of the formula —SO₂—R″ wherein R″ is for example tolyl, phenyl, trifluoromethyl, 2,2,5,7,8-pentamethylchroman-6-yl-, 2,3,6-trimethyl-4-methoxybenzene, and the like. Other suitable nitrogen protecting groups may be found in texts such as T.W. Greene & P.G.M. Wuts, Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, John Wiley & Sons, 1991.

Where the processes for the preparation of the compounds according to the invention give rise to mixture of stereoisomers, these isomers may be separated by conventional techniques such as preparative chromatography. The compounds may be prepared in racemic form, or individual enantiomers may be prepared either by enantiospecific synthesis or by resolution. The compounds may, for example, be resolved into their component enantiomers by standard techniques, such as the formation of diastereomeric pairs by salt formation with an optically active acid, such as (−)-di-p-toluoyl-D-tartaric acid and/or (+)-di-p-toluoyl-L-tartaric acid followed by fractional crystallization and regeneration of the free base. The compounds may also be resolved by formation of diastereomeric esters or amides, followed by chromatographic separation and removal of the chiral auxiliary. Alternatively, the compounds may be resolved using a chiral HPLC column.

Additionally, chiral HPLC against a standard may be used to determine percent enantiomeric excess (% ee). The enantiomeric excess may be calculated as follows

[(Rmoles−Smoles)/(Rmoles+Smoles)]×100%

where Rmoles and Smoles are the R and S mole fractions in The resulting mixture such that Rmoles+Smoles=1. The enantiomeric excess may alternatively be calculated from the specific rotations of the desired enantiomer and the prepared mixture as follows:

ee=([α−obs]/[α−max])×100.

The present invention includes within its scope prodrugs of the compounds of this invention. In general, such prodrugs will be functional derivatives of the compounds which are readily convertible in vivo into the required compound. Thus, in the methods of treatment of the present invention, the term “administering” shall encompass the treatment of the various disorders described with the compound specifically disclosed or with a compound which may not be specifically disclosed, but which converts to the specified compound in vivo after administration to the patient. Conventional procedures for the selection and preparation of suitable prodrug derivatives are described, for example, in “Design of Prodrugs”, ed. H. Bundgaard, Elsevier, 1985.

For use in medicine, the salts of the compounds of this invention refer to non-toxic “pharmaceutically acceptable salts.” Other salts may, however, be useful in the preparation of compounds according to this invention or of their pharmaceutically acceptable salts. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds include acid addition salts which may, for example, be formed by mixing a solution of the compound with a solution of a pharmaceutically acceptable acid such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, succinic acid, acetic acid, benzoic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, carbonic acid or phosphoric acid. Furthermore, where the compounds of the invention carry an acidic moiety, suitable pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof may include alkali metal salts, e.g., sodium or potassium salts; alkaline earth metal salts, e.g., calcium or magnesium salts; and salts formed with suitable organic ligands, e.g., quaternary ammonium salts. Thus, representative pharmaceutically acceptable salts include, but are not limited to, the following: acetate, benzenesulfonate, benzoate, bicarbonate, bisulfate, bitartrate, borate, bromide, calcium edetate, camsylate, carbonate, chloride, clavulanate, citrate, dihydrochloride, edetate, edisylate, estolate, esylate, fumarate, gluceptate, gluconate, glutamate, glycollylarsanilate, hexylresorcinate, hydrabamine, hydrobromide, hydrochloride, hydroxynaphthoate, iodide, isothionate, lactate, lactobionate, laurate, malate, maleate, mandelate, mesylate, methylbromide, methylnitrate, methylsulfate, mucate, napsylate, nitrate, N-methylglucamine ammonium salt, oleate, pamoate (embonate), palmitate, pantothenate, phosphate/diphosphate, polygalacturonate, salicylate, stearate, sulfate, subacetate, succinate, tannate, tartrate, teoclate, tosylate, triethiodide and valerate.

Representative acids which may be used in the preparation of pharmaceutically acceptable salts include, but are not limited to, the following: acids including acetic acid, 2,2-dichloroacetic acid, acylated amino acids, adipic acid, alginic acid, ascorbic acid, L-aspartic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, benzoic acid, 4-acetamidobenzoic acid, (+)-camphoric acid, camphorsulfonic acid, (+) (1S)-camphor-10-sulfonic acid, capric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, cinnamic acid, citric acid, cyclamic acid, dodecylsulfuric acid, ethane-1,2-disulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, 2-hydroxy-ethanesulfonic acid, formic acid, fumaric acid, galactaric acid, gentisic acid, glucoheptonic acid, D-gluconic acid, D-glucoronic acid, L-glutamic acid, α-oxo-glutaric acid, glycolic acid, hipuric acid, hydrobromic acid, hydrochloric acid, (+)-L-lactic acid, (±)-DL-lactic acid, lactobionic acid, maleic acid, (−)-L-malic acid, malonic acid, (±)-DL-mandelic acid, methanesulfonic acid, naphthalene-2-sulfonic acid, naphthalene-1,5-disulfonic acid, 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid, nicotinc acid, nitric acid, oleic acid, orotic acid, oxalic acid, palmitic acid, pamoic acid, phosphoric acid, L-pyroglutamic acid, salicylic acid, 4-amino-salicylic acid, sebaic acid, stearic acid, succinic acid, sulfuric acid, tannic acid, (+)-L-tartaric acid, thiocyanic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid and undecylenic acid.

Representative bases which may be used in the preparation of pharmaceutically acceptable salts include, but are not limited to, the following: bases including ammonia, L-arginine, benethamine, benzathine, calcium hydroxide, choline, deanol, diethanolamine, diethylamine, 2-(diethylamino) ethanol, ethanolamine, ethylenediamine, N-methyl-glucamine, hydrabamine, 1H-imidazole, L-lysine, magnesium hydroxide, 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-morpholine, piperazine, potassium hydroxide, 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-pyrrolidine, secondary amine, sodium hydroxide, triethanolamine, tromethamine and zinc hydroxide.

General Synthetic Methods

Compounds of formula (I) may be prepared according to the process outlined in Scheme 1, below.

Accordingly, a suitably substituted compound of formula (V), a known compound or compound prepared by known methods, is reacted with a suitably substituted compound of formula (VI), wherein LG¹ and LG² are suitably selected leaving groups, such as chloro, bromo, iodo, and the like, preferably chloro, preferably LG¹ and LG² are the same, and are each chloro (i.e. 3,6-dichloropyradizine, a known compound); in the presence of a suitably selected organic base such as TEA, DIPEA, pyridine, and the like; in a suitably selected organic solvent such as DMSO, DMF, acetonitrile, and the like; under microwave heating or under thermal heating to about 200° C.; to yield the corresponding compound of formula (VII).

The compound of formula (VII) is reacted with a suitably selected compound of formula (VIII), wherein Q is

—B(OH₂), or —Sn(n-butyl)₃, a known compound or compound prepared by known methods; to yield the corresponding compound of formula (I).

Wherein the compound of formula (VIII), Q is

or —B(OH₂), the compound of formula (VII) is reacted with the compound of formula (VIII) under Suzuki coupling conditions, more particularly in the presence of a suitably selected palladium catalyst such as Pd(PPh₃)₄, Pd(PPh₃)₂Cl₂, Pd(dppf)Cl₂, and the like; in the presence of a suitably selected base such as K₂CO₃, Cs₂CO₃, Na₂CO₃, NaOH_((aq)), and the like; in a suitably selected solvent such as aqueous 1,4-dioxane, ethanol, toluene, and the like.

Similarly, wherein the compound of formula (VIII), Q is —Sn(n-butyl)₃, the compound of formula (VII) is reacted with the compound of formula (VIII) under Stille coupling conditions, more particularly in the presence of a suitably selected palladium catalyst such as Pd(PPh₃)₄, Pd(PPh₃)₂Cl₂, Pd(dppf)Cl₂, and the like; in a suitably selected solvent such as aqueous 1,4-dioxane, ethanol, DMF, toluene, and the like; under microwave heating.

Compounds of formula (I) wherein R¹ is selected from the group

consisting of

may alternatively be prepared according to the process outlined in Scheme 2, below.

Accordingly, 1,4-dioxa-8-azaspiro[4.5]decane, a known compound or compound prepared by known methods, is reacted with a suitably substituted compound of formula (VI), wherein LG¹ and LG² are suitably selected leaving groups, such as chloro, bromo, iodo, and the like, preferably chloro, preferably LG¹ and LG² are the same, and are each chloro (i.e. 3,6-dichloropyradizine, a known compound); in the presence of a suitably selected organic base such as DIPEA, TEA, pyridine, and the like; in a suitably selected organic solvent such as DMSO, DMF, and the like; to yield the corresponding compound of formula (IX).

The compound of formula (IX) is reacted with a suitably substituted compound of formula (VIII), wherein Q is

or —B(OH₂), a known compound or compound prepared by known methods; under Suzuki coupling conditions, more particularly in the presence of a suitably selected palladium catalyst such as Pd(PPh₃)₄, Pd(PPh₃)₂Cl₂, Pd(dppf)Cl₂, and the like; in the presence of a suitably selected base such as K₂CO₃, Cs₂CO₃, Na₂CO₃, NaOH_((aq)), and the like; in a suitably selected solvent such as aqueous 1,4-dioxane, ethanol, toluene, and the like; to yield the corresponding compound of formula (X).

The compound of formula (X) is reacted with a suitably selected acid such as p-TSA, HCl, and the like; in a suitably selected solvent such as aqueous acetone, 2-butanone, and the like; to yield the corresponding compound of formula (XI).

The compound of formula (XI) is reacted with a suitably selected compound of formula (XIIa) (a compound of formula (XII)

R¹—H  (XII)

wherein the R¹ group contains a terminal nucleophillic nitrogen—i.e. R¹ is other than

a known compound or compound prepared by known methods; in the presence of a suitably selected reducing agent such as NaBH(OAc)₃, NaBH₃CN, and the like; in a suitably selected organic solvent such as DCM, DCE, THF, and the like; to yield the corresponding compound of formula (Ia).

Compounds of formula (I) may alternatively be prepared according to the process outlined in Scheme 3, below.

Accordingly, a suitably substituted compound of formula (V), a known compound or compound prepared by known methods, is reacted with a suitably substituted compound of formula (XIII), wherein LG1 is a suitably selected leaving group, such as chloro, bromo, iodo, and the like, preferably chloro, a known compound or compound prepared by known methods; in the presence of a suitably selected organic base such as TEA, DIPEA, pyridine, and the like; in a suitably selected organic solvent such as DMSO, DMF, acetonitrile, and the like; under microwave heating or under thermal heating to about 200° C.; to yield the corresponding compound of formula (I).

Compounds of formula (I) wherein R³ is selected from the group consisting of

may alternatively be prepared according to the process outlined in Scheme 4, below.

Accordingly, a suitably substituted compound of formula (VI), wherein LG¹ and LG² are suitably selected leaving groups, such as chloro, bromo, iodo, and the like, preferably chloro, preferably LG¹ and LG² are the same, and are each chloro (i.e. 3,6-dichloropyradizine, a known compound) is reacted with a compound of formula (XIV), wherein X is N and Y is C or X is C and Y is N, a known compound or compound prepared by known methods; in the presence of a suitably selected inorganic base such as Cs₂CO₃, K₂CO₃, Na₂CO₃, and the like; in a suitably selected organic solvent such as acetonitrile, DMSO, DMF, and the like; to yield the corresponding compound of formula (XIIIa) (a compound of formula (XIII) wherein R³ is selected from the group consisting of

The compound of formula (XIIa) is reacted with a suitably substituted compound of formula (V), a known compound or compound prepared by known methods, in the presence of a suitably selected organic base such as TEA, DIPEA, pyridine, and the like; in a suitably selected organic solvent such as DMSO, DMF, and the like; to yield the corresponding compound of formula (Ib).

Compounds of formula (V) wherein R¹ is selected from the group consisting of

are known compounds or compounds which may be prepared according to known methods, for example, as outlined in Scheme 5, below.

Accordingly, a suitably substituted compound of formula (XIIa) (a compound of formula (XII) wherein the R¹ group contains a terminal nucleophillic nitrogen—i.e. R¹ is other than

a known compound or compound prepared by known methods, is reacted with a suitably substituted compound of formula (XV), wherein PG¹ is a suitably selected nitrogen protecting group such as Boc, CBz, and the like, preferably Boc, a known compound or compound prepared by known methods; in the presence of a suitably selected hydride source such as NaBH(OAc)₃, NaBH₃CN, and the like, preferably NaBH(OAc)₃; in a suitably selected organic solvent such as DCM, DCE, THF, and the like; to yield the corresponding compound of formula (XVII).

Alternatively, a suitably substituted compound of formula (XIIa) (a compound of formula (XII) wherein the R¹ group contains a terminal nucleophillic nitrogen—i.e. R¹ is other than

a known compound or compound prepared by known methods, is reacted with a suitably substituted compound of formula (XVI), wherein PG¹ is a suitably selected nitrogen protecting group such as Boc, CBz, and the like, preferably Boc, and wherein LG³ is a suitably selected leaving such as —O—SO₂-(p-tolyl), —O—SO₂—CH₃, Br, Cl, I, and the like, a known compound or compound prepared by known methods; in the presence of a suitably selected base such as NaH, LiHMDS, NaHDMS, and the like, preferably NaH; in a suitably selected organic solvent such as THF, DMF, and the like; to yield the corresponding compound of formula (XVII).

The compound of formula (XVII) is de-protected according to known methods; to yield the corresponding compound of formula (Va). For example, wherein PG¹ is Boc, the compound of formula (XVII) may be de-protected by reacting with a suitably selected acid such as HCl, TFA, and the like, in a suitably solvent such as methylene chloride, 1,4-dioxane, and the like. For example, wherein PG¹ is CBz, the compound of formula (XVII) may b de-protected by hydrogenation or by reacting with TMSI, according to known methods.

Compounds of formula (I) wherein R¹ is

may alternatively be prepared from the corresponding compound of formula (I) wherein R¹ is

as outlined in Scheme 6, below.

Accordingly, a suitably substituted compound of formula (Ic) is reacted with for example, DDQ, and the like; in a suitably selected organic solvent such as THF, and the like; according to known methods, to yield the corresponding compound of formula (Id) (see for example, Example 12 which follows herein).

Compounds of formula (I) wherein R³ is

may alternatively be prepared for example, as described in BONGARTZ, J-P., et al., “Synthesis and Anti-Angiogenic Activity of 6-(1,2,4-Thiadiazol-5-yl)-3-amino-pyridazine Derivatives, Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett., 2002, pp 589-591, Vol. 12(4); PCT Publication WO 98/58929; and/or U.S. Pat. No. 5,985,878.

Compounds of formula (I) wherein R³ is

may alternatively be prepared as described in Scheme 7, below.

Accordingly, a suitably substituted compound of formula (XVIII), wherein LG⁴ is a suitably selected leaving group such as Cl, Br, I, and the like, preferably chloro, a known compound or compound prepared by known methods, is reacted with a suitably selected source of sulfur such as SOCl₂, and the like;

and then reacted with a suitably substituted compound of formula (XIX) (wherein the compound of formula (XIX) is present as its corresponding HCl salt as noted in the scheme above), a known compound or compound prepared by known methods; in the presence of a suitably selected aqueous base such as NaOH, KOH, and the like; in a suitably selected organic solvent such as DCM, DCE, and the like; to yield the corresponding compound of formula (XX).

The compound of formula (XX) is reacted with a suitably substituted compound of formula (V), a known compound or compound prepared by known methods, in the presence of a suitably selected organic base such as TEA, DIPEA, pyridine, and the like; in a suitably selected organic solvent such as DMSO, DMF, acetonitrile, and the like; under microwave heating or under thermal heating to about 200° C.; to yield the corresponding compound of formula (Ie).

Compounds of formula (V) wherein R¹ is

may be prepared as described in Scheme 8, below.

Accordingly, a suitably substituted compound of formula (XIIb), (a compound of formula (XII) wherein the R¹ is

a known compound or compound prepared by known methods, is reacted with a suitably substituted compound of formula (XV), wherein PG¹ is a suitably selected nitrogen protecting group such as Boc, CBz, benzyl, and the like, preferably Boc, a known compound or compound prepared by known methods; in the presence of a suitably selected organic base such as KOH, NaOH, and the like; in a suitably selected organic solvent such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, and the like; to yield the corresponding compound of formula (XXI).

The compound of formula (XXI) is hydrogenated, according to known methods, for example in the presence of hydrogen source, such as H₂, ammonium formate, and the like; in the presence of suitably selected catalyst, such as Pd/C, Pt/C and the like, preferably Pd/C; in the presence of suitably selected solvent, such as MeOH, EtOH, and the like; to yield the corresponding compound of formula (XXII).

The compound of formula (XXII) is de-protected according to known methods; to yield the corresponding compound of formula (Vb). For example, wherein PG¹ is Boc, the compound of formula (XXII) may be de-protected by reacting with a suitably selected acid such as HCl, TFA, and the like, in a suitable solvent such as dichloromethane, and the like. Alternatively, wherein PG¹ is Cbz or benzyl, the protecting group may be de-protected simultaneously during the formation of formula (XXII), under the hydrogenated conditions, as described above.

Compounds of formula (V) wherein R¹ is

may be prepared as described Scheme 9, below.

Accordingly, a suitably substituted compound of formula (XXIII), a known compound or compound prepared by known methods, is reacted with a suitably substituted compound of formula (XXIV), wherein LG⁵ is a suitably selected leaving group such as fluoro, bromo, chloro, and the like and wherein PG^(Z) is a suitably selected nitrogen protecting group such as acetyl, Cbz, benzyl, and the like, preferably acetyl, a known compound or compound prepared by known methods; in the presence a suitably selected Lewis acid, such as AlCl₃, and the like; to yield the corresponding compound of formula (XXV).

The compound of formula (XXV) is reacted with hydroxylamine HCl salt in the presence of a suitably selected base, such as KOH, NaOH, ammonium acetate, and the like; in a suitable selected solvent, such as ethanol, methanol, isopropanol, and the like; at a temperature in the range of from about room temperature to about reflux temperature, preferably at about 85° C., to yield the corresponding compound of formula (XXVI), which compound is preferably not isolated.

The compound of formula (XXVI) is reacted in the presence of a suitably selected base, such as KOH, sodium ethoxide, and the like, at a temperature in the range of from about room temperature to about reflux temperature, to yield the corresponding compound of formula (XXVII).

The compound of formula (XXVII) is de-protected according to known methods, to yield the corresponding compound of formula (Vc). For example, wherein PG² is Cbz or benzyl, the compound of formula (XXVII) may be de-protected under hydrogenation conditions, according to known methods.

Alternatively, wherein PG² is acetyl, the compound of formula (XXVI) may be reacted to cyclize and remove the protecting group in step, by reacting with a suitably selected base such as KOH, NaOH, and the like, wherein the base is present in an excess amount, at about reflux temperature, to yield the corresponding compound of formula (Vc).

One skilled in the art will recognize that wherein the R³ group on the compound of formula (I) is substituted (as defined herein), said substituent group(s) may be present in the reactant compound(s) used in the synthesis of the compound of formula (I), as described herein (e.g. in the compound of formula (VIII), in the compound of formula (XI), etc.). Alternatively, said substituent group(s) may be incorporated into the compound of formula (I) by reacting a compound of formula (I) substituted with a precursor group, according to known methods/chemical transformation, to convert said precursor group to the desired substituent group. Representative examples of such transformation are as described below.

Compounds of formula (I) wherein the R³ group is substituted with —C₁₋₂alkyl-O—C₁₋₂alkyl may be prepared from the corresponding compound of formula (I) wherein the R³ group is substituted with —C₁₋₂alkyl-OH by reacting with a suitably selected alkylating agent, according to known methods. (See for example, Example 18 which follows herein.)

Compounds of formula (I) wherein the R³ group is substituted with —C₂alkyl-OH may be prepared from the corresponding compound of formula (I) wherein the R³ group is substituted with —C₂alkyl-C(O)O—C₁₋₂alkyl by reacting with a suitably selected reducing agent, such as NaBH₄, and the like; in a suitably selected organic solvent such as EtOH, and the like, according to known methods. (See for example, Example 21 which follows herein.)

Compounds of formula (I) wherein the R³ group is substituted with —C₁₋₂alkyl-C(O)—NR^(A)R^(B) may be prepared from the corresponding compound of formula (I) wherein the R³ group is substituted with —C₁₋₂alkyl-C(O)OCH₃ or —C₁₋₂alkyl-C(O)O—CH₂CH₃ by reacting with a suitably substituted amine of formula (NHR^(A)R^(B)), in a suitably selected organic solvent such as EtOH, and the like, according to known methods. (See for example, Example 22 which follows herein.)

Compounds of formula (I) wherein R³

and wherein R⁵ is (C₂₋₃alkyl)-O—(C₁₋₂ alkyl) may be prepared by reacting the corresponding compound of formula (I) wherein R⁵ is hydrogen with a suitably substituted compound of the formula LG⁵-(C₂₋₃alkyl)-O—(C₁₋₂alkyl), wherein LG⁵ is a suitably selected leaving group such as Br, according to known methods. (See for example, Example 23, which follows herein.)

The present invention further comprises pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more compounds of formula (I) with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more of the compounds of the invention described herein as the active ingredient can be prepared by intimately mixing the compound or compounds with a pharmaceutical carrier according to conventional pharmaceutical compounding techniques. The carrier may take a wide variety of forms depending upon the desired route of administration (e.g., oral, parenteral). Thus for liquid oral preparations such as suspensions, elixirs and solutions, suitable carriers and additives include water, glycols, oils, alcohols, flavoring agents, preservatives, stabilizers, coloring agents and the like; for solid oral preparations, such as powders, capsules and tablets, suitable carriers and additives include starches, sugars, diluents, granulating agents, lubricants, binders, disintegrating agents and the like. Solid oral preparations may also be coated with substances such as sugars or be enteric-coated so as to modulate major site of absorption. For parenteral administration, the carrier will usually consist of sterile water and other ingredients may be added to increase solubility or preservation. Injectable suspensions or solutions may also be prepared utilizing aqueous carriers along with appropriate additives.

To prepare the pharmaceutical compositions of this invention, one or more compounds of the present invention as the active ingredient is intimately admixed with a pharmaceutical carrier according to conventional pharmaceutical compounding techniques, which carrier may take a wide variety of forms depending of the form of preparation desired for administration, e.g., oral or parenteral such as intramuscular. In preparing the compositions in oral dosage form, any of the usual pharmaceutical media may be employed. Thus, for liquid oral preparations, such as for example, suspensions, elixirs and solutions, suitable carriers and additives include water, glycols, oils, alcohols, flavoring agents, preservatives, coloring agents and the like; for solid oral preparations such as, for example, powders, capsules, caplets, gelcaps and tablets, suitable carriers and additives include starches, sugars, diluents, granulating agents, lubricants, binders, disintegrating agents and the like. Because of their ease in administration, tablets and capsules represent the most advantageous oral dosage unit form, in which case solid pharmaceutical carriers are obviously employed. If desired, tablets may be sugar coated or enteric coated by standard techniques. For parenterals, the carrier will usually comprise sterile water, through other ingredients, for example, for purposes such as aiding solubility or for preservation, may be included. Injectable suspensions may also be prepared, in which case appropriate liquid carriers, suspending agents and the like may be employed. The pharmaceutical compositions herein will contain, per dosage unit, e.g., tablet, capsule, powder, injection, teaspoonful and the like, an amount of the active ingredient necessary to deliver an effective dose as described above. The pharmaceutical compositions herein will contain, per unit dosage unit, e.g., tablet, capsule, powder, injection, suppository, teaspoonful and the like, of from about 0.01 mg to about 1000 mg or any amount or range therein, and may be given at a dosage of from about 0.01 mg/kg/day to about 300 mg/kg/day, or any amount or range therein, preferably from about 0.1 mg/kg/day to about 50 mg/kg/day, or any amount or range therein, preferably from about 0.05 mg/kg/day to about 15 mg/kg/day, or any amount or range therein. The dosages, however, may be varied depending upon the requirement of the patients, the severity of the condition being treated and the compound being employed. The use of either daily administration or post-periodic dosing may be employed.

Preferably these compositions are in unit dosage forms from such as tablets, pills, capsules, powders, granules, sterile parenteral solutions or suspensions, metered aerosol or liquid sprays, drops, ampoules, autoinjector devices or suppositories; for oral parenteral, intranasal, sublingual or rectal administration, or for administration by inhalation or insufflation. Alternatively, the composition may be presented in a form suitable for once-weekly or once-monthly administration; for example, an insoluble salt of the active compound, such as the decanoate salt, may be adapted to provide a depot preparation for intramuscular injection. For preparing solid compositions such as tablets, the principal active ingredient is mixed with a pharmaceutical carrier, e.g. conventional tableting ingredients such as corn starch, lactose, sucrose, sorbitol, talc, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, dicalcium phosphate or gums, and other pharmaceutical diluents, e.g. water, to form a solid preformulation composition containing a mixture of a compound of the present invention, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. This solid preformulation composition is then subdivided into unit dosage forms of the type described above containing from about 0.01 mg to about 1,000 mg, or any amount or range therein, of the active ingredient of the present invention. The tablets or pills of the novel composition can be coated or otherwise compounded to provide a dosage form affording the advantage of prolonged action. For example, the tablet or pill can comprise an inner dosage and an outer dosage component, the latter being in the form of an envelope over the former. The two components can be separated by an enteric layer which serves to resist disintegration in the stomach and permits the inner component to pass intact into the duodenum or to be delayed in release. A variety of material can be used for such enteric layers or coatings, such materials including a number of polymeric acids with such materials as shellac, cetyl alcohol and cellulose acetate.

The liquid forms in which the novel compositions of the present invention may be incorporated for administration orally or by injection include, aqueous solutions, suitably flavoured syrups, aqueous or oil suspensions, and flavoured emulsions with edible oils such as cottonseed oil, sesame oil, coconut oil or peanut oil, as well as elixirs and similar pharmaceutical vehicles. Suitable dispersing or suspending agents for aqueous suspensions, include synthetic and natural gums such as tragacanth, acacia, alginate, dextran, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, polyvinyl-pyrrolidone or gelatin.

The method of treating SCD1 disorders described in the present invention may also be carried out using a pharmaceutical composition comprising any of the compounds as defined herein and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The pharmaceutical composition may contain between about 0.01 mg and about 1000 mg of the compound, or any amount or range therein; preferably from about 1.0 mg to about 500 mg of the compound, or any amount or range therein, and may be constituted into any form suitable for the mode of administration selected. Carriers include necessary and inert pharmaceutical excipients, including, but not limited to, binders, suspending agents, lubricants, flavorants, sweeteners, preservatives, dyes, and coatings. Compositions suitable for oral administration include solid forms, such as pills, tablets, caplets, capsules (each including immediate release, timed release and sustained release formulations), granules, and powders, and liquid forms, such as solutions, syrups, elixers, emulsions, and suspensions. Forms useful for parenteral administration include sterile solutions, emulsions and suspensions.

Advantageously, compounds of the present invention may be administered in a single daily dose, or the total daily dosage may be administered in divided doses of two, three or four times daily. Furthermore, compounds for the present invention can be administered in intranasal form via topical use of suitable intranasal vehicles, or via transdermal skin patches well known to those of ordinary skill in that art. To be administered in the form of a transdermal delivery system, the dosage administration will, of course, be continuous rather than intermittent throughout the dosage regimen.

For instance, for oral administration in the form of a tablet or capsule, the active drug component can be combined with an oral, non-toxic pharmaceutically acceptable inert carrier such as ethanol, glycerol, water and the like. Moreover, when desired or necessary, suitable binders; lubricants, disintegrating agents and coloring agents can also be incorporated into the mixture. Suitable binders include, without limitation, starch, gelatin, natural sugars such as glucose or beta-lactose, corn sweeteners, natural and synthetic gums such as acacia, tragacanth or sodium oleate, sodium stearate, magnesium stearate, sodium benzoate, sodium acetate, sodium chloride and the like. Disintegrators include, without limitation, starch, methyl cellulose, agar, bentonite, xanthan gum and the like.

The liquid forms in suitably flavored suspending or dispersing agents such as the synthetic and natural gums, for example, tragacanth, acacia, methylcellulose and the like. For parenteral administration, sterile suspensions and solutions are desired. Isotonic preparations which generally contain suitable preservatives are employed when intravenous administration is desired.

To prepare a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention, a compound of formula (I) as the active ingredient is intimately admixed with a pharmaceutical carrier according to conventional pharmaceutical compounding techniques, which carrier may take a wide variety of forms depending of the form of preparation desired for administration (e.g. oral or parenteral). Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable carriers are well known in the art. Descriptions of some of these pharmaceutically acceptable carriers may be found in The Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients, published by the American Pharmaceutical Association and the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain.

Methods of formulating pharmaceutical compositions have been described in numerous publications such as Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms: Tablets, Second Edition, Revised and Expanded, Volumes 1-3, edited by Lieberman et al; Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms: Parenteral Medications, Volumes 1-2, edited by Avis et al; and Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms: Disperse Systems, Volumes 1-2, edited by Lieberman et al; published by Marcel Dekker, Inc.

Compounds of this invention may be administered in any of the foregoing compositions and according to dosage regimens established in the art whenever treatment of SCD1 disorders is required.

The daily dosage of the products may be varied over a wide range from about 0.01 mg to about 1,000 mg per adult human per day, or any amount or range therein. For oral administration, the compositions are preferably provided in the form of tablets containing, 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 15.0, 25.0, 50.0, 100, 150, 200, 250 and 500 milligrams of the active ingredient for the symptomatic adjustment of the dosage to the patient to be treated. An effective amount of the drug is ordinarily supplied at a dosage level of from about 0.01 mg/kg to about 500 mg/kg of body weight per day, or any amount or range therein. Preferably, the range is from about 0.1 to about 50.0 mg/kg of body weight per day, or any amount or range therein. More preferably, from about 0.5 to about 15.0 mg/kg of body weight per day, or any amount or range therein. More preferably, from about 1.0 to about 7.5 mg/kg of body weight per day, or any amount or range therein. The compounds may be administered on a regimen of 1 to 4 times per day.

Optimal dosages to be administered may be readily determined by those skilled in the art, and will vary with the particular compound used, the mode of administration, the strength of the preparation, the mode of administration, and the advancement of the disease condition. In addition, factors associated with the particular patient being treated, including patient age, weight, diet and time of administration, will result in the need to adjust dosages.

One skilled in the art will recognize that, both in vivo and in vitro trials using suitable, known and generally accepted cell and/or animal models are predictive of the ability of a test compound to treat or prevent a given disorder.

One skilled in the art will further recognize that human clinical trails including first-in-human, dose ranging and efficacy trials, in healthy patients and/or those suffering from a given disorder, may be completed according to methods well known in the clinical and medical arts.

The following Examples are set forth to aid in the understanding of the invention, and are not intended and should not be construed to limit in any way the invention set forth in the claims which follow thereafter.

In the Examples which follow, some synthesis products are listed as having been isolated as a residue. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the term “residue” does not limit the physical state in which the product was isolated and may include, for example, a solid, an oil, a foam, a gum, a syrup, and the like.

Example 1 6-fluoro-1-(1-(6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)indoline (Compound #11)

The title compound was prepared according to two different synthetic methods, as described in more detail below.

Method A Step 1: tert-butyl 4-(6-fluoroindolin-1-yl)piperidine-1-carboxylate

To a solution of 6-fluoroindoline (9.36 g, 68 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (100 mL) was added 1-Boc-4-piperidone (13.6 g, 68 mmol). The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 h and NaBH(OAc)₃ (18 g, 85 mmol, 1.25 equiv) was added. The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 24 h and was then poured slowly to a vigorously stirred Na₂CO_(3(aq)). After 30 min stirring, the layers were separated. The aqueous layer was extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (100 mL). The combined organic layer was washed with brine (100 mL), dried (Na₂SO₄), and filtered.

The solvent was removed by roto-evaporator and then, Et₂O (10 mL) and then hexane (150 mL) were added to the resulting residue. The resulting mixture was allowed to stand, resulting in the formation of a white solid, which was collected and washed with 5% Et₂O/hexane and then dried. This procedure was repeated to yield tert-butyl 4-(6-fluoroindolin-1-yl)piperidine-1-carboxylate as a white solid.

Step 2: 6-fluoro-1-(piperidin-4-yl)indoline

To a solution of tert-butyl 4-(6-fluoroindolin-1-yl)piperidine-1-carboxylate prepared as in STEP 1 above (16.64 g, 52 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (45 mL) was added TFA (30 mL) slowly at room temperature. The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 h (monitor by HPLC). The resulting mixture was then concentrated to remove most of the solvent and TFA. The resulting residue was partitioned in CH₂Cl₂/H₂O (100 mL/50 mL) and stirred. 3N NaOH(aq) was then added slowly until the pH value of aqueous layer was >11. The aqueous layer was then extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (100 mL×10). The combined CH₂Cl₂ layer was dried (Na₂SO₄) and filtered. The solvent was removed and the resulting residue was dissolved in Et₂O (100 mL) and then 1N HCl (1M in Et₂O, 60 mL, 60 mmol) was added slowly at 0° C. The resulting mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature for another 30 min. Hexane (100 mL) was added and the resulting mixture was stirred for 15 min. The resulting white solid was filtered and washed with 50% Et₂O/hexane (30 mL×3), then dried to yield 6-fluoro-1-(piperidin-4-yl)indoline as a white HCl salt.

Step 3: 1-(1-(6-chloropyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-6-fluoroindoline

In a 100 mL flask was placed 6-fluoro-1-(piperidin-4-yl)indoline as its corresponding HCl salt, prepared as in STEP 2 above (7.7 g, 30 mmol, 1 equiv) and 3,6-dichloropyridazine (4.69 g, 31.5 mmol, 1.05 equiv). DMSO (40 mL) and Et₃N (12.54 mL, 90 mmol, 3 equiv) were added sequentially. The resulting mixture was heated at 80° C. for 7 h. The resulting mixture was then poured into vigorously stirred H₂O (800 mL) and stirred for 1 h. The resulting solid was filtered and washed with H₂O (30 mL×2), 50% Et₂O/hexane (30 mL×2), and the dried to yield 1-(1-(6-chloropyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-6-fluoroindoline as a solid.

Step 4: 6-fluoro-1-(1-(6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)indoline

In a two-neck flask was placed 1-(1-(6-chloropyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-6-fluoroindoline, prepared as in STEP 3 above (2.33 g, 7 mmol, 1 equiv), 1-methylpyrazole-4-boronic acid pinacol ester (1.75 g, 8.4 mmol, 1.2 equiv), K₂CO₃ (3.86 g, 28 mmol, 4.0 equiv), and Pd(PPh₃)₄ (809 mg, 0.7 mmol, 0.1 equiv). The resulting mixture was degassed and refilled with N₂ (3 times). 1,4-Dioxane/H₂O (30 mL/6 mL) was added and the resulting mixture was heated at 100° C. for 3 h. The resulting mixture was poured into EtOAc/H₂O (100 mL/100 mL). The organic layer was washed with brine (100 mL), dried (Na₂SO₄), and filtered. The solvent was removed by roto-evaporator, and the resulting residue was purified by column using EtOAc as the eluent to yield the title compound as a solid.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ=7.96 (s, 1H), 7.91 (s, 1H), 7.39 (d, J=9.6 Hz, 1H), 6.98 (d, J=9.6 Hz, 1H), 6.88-6.96 (m, 1H), 6.27 (ddd, J=2.3, 7.8, 9.7 Hz, 1H), 6.15 (dd, J=2.3, 10.6 Hz, 1H), 4.50-4.61 (m, 2H), 3.93-4.00 (m, 3H), 3.52-3.67 (m, 1H), 3.40 (t, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 2.97-3.11 (m, 2H), 2.90 (t, J=8.3 Hz, 2H), 1.93 (d, J=13.6 Hz, 2H), 1.74 (qd, J=3.9, 12.4 Hz, 2H); MS: 379 (M⁺+1).

Method B Step 1: 3-chloro-6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazine

In a two-neck flask was placed 3,6-dichloropyridazine (1.49 g, 10 mmol), 1-methylpyrazole-4-boronic acid pinacol ester (1.04 g, 5 mmol), K₂CO₃ (1.38 g, 10 mmol), and Pd(PPh₃)₄ (289 mg, 0.25 mmol). The resulting mixture was degassed and refilled with N₂ (3 times). 1,4-Dioxane/H₂O (9 mL/2 mL) was added and the resulting mixture was heated at 100° C. for 5 h. The resulting mixture was poured into EtOAc/H₂O (30 mL/30 mL). The organic layer was washed with brine (30 mL), dried (Na₂SO₄), and filtered. The solvent was removed and the resulting residue was purified by column using 90-100% EtOAc/hexane as the eluent to yield 3-chloro-6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazine.

Step 2: 6-fluoro-1-(1-(6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)indoline

To a mixture of 6-fluoro-1-(piperidin-4-yl)indoline (256 mg, 1 mmol), 3-chloro-6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazine prepared as in STEP 1 above (194 mg, 1.0 mmol) in DMSO (3 mL) was added DIPEA (0.52 mL, 3 mmol). The resulting mixture was sealed and heated at 180° C. for 1.5 h under microwave irradiation. The resulting mixture was poured into H₂O (30 mL) and the aqueous layer was extracted with 30% CH₂Cl₂/Et₂O (30 mL×5). The combined organic layer was dried (Na₂SO₄) and filtered. The solvent was removed and the resulting residue was purified by column using 90-100% EtOAc/hexane as the eluent to yield the title compound, 6-fluoro-1-(1-(6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)indoline.

Example 2 1-(1-(6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)indoline (Compound #10)

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure as described in Example 1, Method B, reacting 1-(piperidin-4-yl)indoline HCl salt and 3-chloro-6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazine.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ=7.96 (s, 1H), 7.91 (s, 1H), 7.39 (d, J=9.6 Hz, 1H), 7.02-7.11 (m, 2H), 6.98 (d, J=9.6 Hz, 1H), 6.63 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 1H), 6.48 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 4.44-4.62 (m, 2H), 3.91-4.01 (m, 3H), 3.62-3.75 (m, 1H), 3.35 (t, J=8.3 Hz, 2H), 3.04 (td, J=2.4, 12.9 Hz, 2H), 2.95 (t, J=8.3 Hz, 2H), 1.94 (d, J=10.6 Hz, 2H), 1.75 (qd, J=4.2, 12.3 Hz, 2H); MS: 361 (M⁺+1).

Example 3 1-(1-(6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-1H-indole (Compound #9)

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure as described in Example 1, Method B, reacting 1-(piperidin-4-yl)indole HCl salt and 3-chloro-6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazine.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ=7.98 (s, 1H), 7.93 (s, 1H), 7.65 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.43 (dd, J=3.5, 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.20-7.25 (m, 1H), 7.19 (d, J=3.3 Hz, 1H), 7.09-7.15 (m, 1H), 7.04 (d, J=9.6 Hz, 1H), 6.53 (d, J=2.8 Hz, 1H), 4.58-4.69 (m, 2H), 4.46-4.58 (m, 1H), 3.98 (s, 3H), 3.11-3.27 (m, 2H), 2.18-2.31 (m, 2H), 2.04-2.18 (m, 2H); MS: 359 (M⁺+1).

Example 4 5-fluoro-3-(1-(6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)benzo[d]isoxazole (Compound #3)

The title compound was prepared following the procedure as described in Example 1, Method B, reacting 5-fluoro-3-(piperidin-4-yl)benzisoxazole HCl salt and 3-chloro-6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazine.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ=7.97 (s, 1H), 7.92 (s, 1H), 7.53 (dd, J=3.7, 9.0 Hz, 1H), 7.42 (d, J=9.6 Hz, 1H), 7.27-7.38 (m, 2H), 7.02 (d, J=9.3 Hz, 1H), 4.52 (d, J=13.4 Hz, 2H), 3.98 (s, 3H), 3.31-3.45 (m, 1H), 3.11-3.31 (m, 2H), 2.03-2.31 (m, 4H); MS: 379 (M⁺+1).

Example 5 4-fluoro-1-(1-(6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)indoline (Compound #66)

Step 1: 8-(6-chloropyridazin-3-yl)-1,4-dioxa-8-azaspiro[4.5]decane

To a mixture of 3,6-dichloropyridazine (2.98 g, 20 mmol) in DMSO (10 mL) was added 1,4-dioxa-8-azaspiro[4.5]decane (3 g, 21 mmol) and DIPEA (4.18 mL, 24 mmol). The resulting mixture was heated at 80° C. for 4 h and was then poured into H₂O (300 mL). The resulting solid was washed with H₂O (10 mL×3) and hexane (10 mL×3) and then dried to yield 8-(6-chloropyridazin-3-yl)-1,4-dioxa-8-azaspiro[4.5]decane.

Step 2: 8-(6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl-1,4-dioxa-8-azaspiro[4.5]decane

In a two-neck flask was placed 8-(6-chloropyridazin-3-yl)-1,4-dioxa-8-azaspiro[4.5]decane, prepared as in STEP 1 above (3.07 g, 12 mmol), 1-methylpyrazole-4-boronic acid pinacol ester (3.24 g, 15.6 mmol), K₂CO₃ (6.62 g, 48 mmol), and Pd(PPh₃)₄ (693 mg, 0.6 mmol). The resulting mixture was degassed and refilled with N₂ (3 times). 1,4-Dioxane/H₂O (15 mL/5 mL) was added and the resulting mixture was heated at 100° C. for 4 h. The resulting mixture was then poured into EtOAc/H₂O (100 mL/100 mL). The organic layer was washed with brine (100 mL), dried (Na₂SO₄), and filtered. The solvent was removed by roto-evaporator and the resulting residue purified by column using EtOAc as the eluent to yield 8-(6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)-1,4-dioxa-8-azaspiro[4.5]decane.

Step 3: 1-(6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-one

To a solution of 8-(6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)-1,4-dioxa-8-azaspiro[4.5]decane, prepared as in STEP 2 above (1.8 g, 6 mmol) in acetone/H₂O (30 mL/30 mL) was added p-TSA.H₂O (1.37 g, 7.2 mmol). The resulting mixture was stirred at 65° C. for 6 h and then concentrated to remove most of organic solvent. The residue was poured into CH₂Cl₂/H₂O/Na₂CO₃(aq) (50 mL/25 mL/25 mL). The aqueous layer was extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (50 mL). The combined organic layer was dried (Na₂SO₄), and filtered. The solvent was removed by roto-evaporator to yield 1-(6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-one as a solid.

Step 4: 4-fluoro-1-(1-(6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)indoline

To a mixture of 4-fluoroindoline (62 mg, 0.45 mmol) and 1-(6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-one, prepared as in STEP 3 above (77 mg, 0.3 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (3 mL) was added NaBH(OAc)₃ (126 mg, 0.6 mmol). The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 24 h and then concentrated. The resulting mixture was purified by column using 90-100% EtOAc/(CH₂Cl₂/hexane=1/1) as the eluent to yield the 4-fluoro-1-(1-(6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)indoline as a residue. The title compound was then converted to its corresponding HCl salt.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ=8.54 (s, 1H), 8.26 (d, J=10.2 Hz, 1H), 8.11-8.22 (m, 2H), 6.96-7.07 (m, 1H), 6.41 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 6.33 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 1H), 4.45 (d, J=14.1 Hz, 2H), 3.92 (s, 3H), 3.79-3.90 (m, 1H), 3.36 (t, J=10 Hz, 2H), 3.26 (t, J=12.1 Hz, 2H), 2.89 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 1.76-1.88 (m, 2H), 1.60-1.76 (m, 2H); MS: 379 (M⁺+1).

Example 6 5-fluoro-1-(1-(6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)indoline (Compound #46)

The title compound was prepared following the procedure as described in Example 5, STEP 4, reacting 5-fluoroindoline and 1-(6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-one.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ=7.96 (s, 1H), 7.90 (s, 1H), 7.39 (d, J=9.3 Hz, 1H), 6.98 (d, J=9.3 Hz, 1H), 6.69-6.85 (m, 2H), 6.35 (dd, J=4.2, 8.5 Hz, 1H), 4.48-4.61 (m, 2H), 3.93-4.01 (m, 3H), 3.61 (tt, J=3.7, 11.7 Hz, 1H), 3.33 (t, J=8.3 Hz, 2H), 3.03 (td, J=2.3, 12.9 Hz, 2H), 2.92 (t, J=8.3 Hz, 2H), 1.92 (d, J=13.6 Hz, 2H), 1.72 (qd, J=4.0, 12.4 Hz, 2H); MS: 379 (M⁺+1).

Example 7 5-chloro-1-(1-(6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)indoline (Compound #65)

The title compound was prepared following the procedure as described in Example 5, STEP 4, reacting 5-chloroindoline and 1-(6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-one.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ=8.56 (s, 1H), 8.28 (d, J=9.8 Hz, 1H), 8.21 (s, 1H), 8.16 (d, J=10.2 Hz, 1H), 6.98-7.07 (m, 2H), 6.58 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 4.47 (d, J=12.9 Hz, 2H), 3.94 (s, 3H), 3.74-3.91 (m, 1H), 3.17-3.34 (m, 4H), 2.88 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 1.76-1.90 (m, 2H), 1.60-1.76 (m, 2H); MS: 395 (M⁺+1).

Example 8 6-chloro-1-(1-(6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)indoline (Compound #59)

The title compound was prepared following the procedure as described in Example 5, STEP 4, reacting 6-chloroindoline and 1-(6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-one.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ=8.55 (s, 1H), 8.22-8.30 (m, 1H), 8.20 (s, 1H), 8.15 (d, J=9.9 Hz, 1H), 6.98 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 6.57-6.65 (m, 1H), 6.52 (dd, J=1.6, 7.7 Hz, 1H), 4.46 (d, J=12.4 Hz, 2H), 3.94 (s, 3H), 3.82-3.93 (m, 1H), 3.20-3.42 (m, 4H), 2.85 (t, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 1.82 (d, J=11.6 Hz, 2H), 1.59-1.77 (m, 2H); MS: 395 (M⁺+1).

Example 9 6-methyl-1-(1-(6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)indoline (Compound #57)

The title compound was prepared following the procedure as described in Example 5, STEP 4, reacting 6-methylindoline and 1-(6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-one.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ=8.55 (s, 1H), 8.23-8.31 (m, 1H), 8.20 (s, 1H), 8.16 (d, J=9.9 Hz, 1H), 6.91 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 1H), 6.36-6.55 (m, 2H), 4.47 (d, J=13.4 Hz, 2H), 3.94 (s, 3H), 3.79-3.91 (m, 1H), 3.21-3.35 (m, 4H), 2.82 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 2.23 (s, 3H), 1.78-1.89 (m, 2H), 1.61-1.78 (m, 2H); MS: 375 (M⁺+1).

Example 10 6-methoxy-1-(1-(6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)indoline (Compound #62)

The title compound was prepared following the procedure as described in Example 5, STEP 4, reacting 6-methoxyinoline and 1-(6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-one.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ=8.56 (s, 1H), 8.28 (d, J=9.9 Hz, 1H), 8.09-8.23 (m, 2H), 6.90 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 6.22 (s, 1H), 6.08-6.17 (m, 1H), 4.46 (d, J=13.1 Hz, 2H), 3.94 (s, 3H), 3.78-3.91 (m, 1H), 3.69 (s, 3H), 3.20-3.35 (m, 4H), 2.79 (t, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 1.84 (d, J=12.1 Hz, 2H), 1.61-1.78 (m, 2H); MS: 391 (M⁺+1).

Example 11 1-(1-(6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-6-(trifluoromethyl)indoline (Compound #60)

The title compound was prepared following the procedure as described in Example 5, STEP 4, reacting 6-trifluoromethylindoline and 1-(6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-one.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ=8.53 (s, 1H), 8.21-8.30 (m, 1H), 8.19 (s, 1H), 8.14 (d, J=10.6 Hz, 1H), 7.17 (d, J=7.3 Hz, 1H), 6.84 (d, J=7.1 Hz, 1H), 6.80 (s, 1H), 4.46 (d, J=13.6 Hz, 2H), 3.96-4.05 (m, 1H), 3.94 (s, 3H), 3.35-3.45 (m, 2H), 3.21-3.35 (m, 2H), 2.95 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 1.73-1.89 (m, 2H), 1.62-1.73 (m, 2H); MS: 429 (M⁺+1).

Example 12 6-fluoro-1-(1-(6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-1H-indole (Compound #63)

To a solution of 6-fluoro-1-(1-(6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)indoline (75 mg, 0.2 mmol) in THF (3 mL) was added DDQ (54 mg, 0.24 mmol). The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 min and was poured into EtOAc (30 mL). The organic layer washed with Na₂CO₃(aq) (30 mL), H₂O (30 mL), dried (Na₂SO₄), and filtered. The solvent was removed and the resulting residue purified by column using 80-90-100% EtOAc/(CH₂Cl₂/hexane=1/1) as the eluent to yield 6-fluoro-1-(1-(6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-1H-indole, which was then converted to its corresponding HCl salt.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ=8.53 (s, 1H), 8.16-8.30 (m, 2H), 8.11 (d, J=10.4 Hz, 1H), 7.41-7.60 (m, 3H), 6.8-6.96 (m, 1H), 6.48 (d, J=3.0 Hz, 1H), 4.79 (t, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 4.55 (d, J=13.1 Hz, 2H), 3.94 (s, 3H), 3.26-3.46 (m, 2H), 1.97-2.15 (m, 4H); MS: 377 (M⁺+1).

Example 13 6-fluoro-1-(1-(6-(4-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)indoline (Compound #4)

To a mixture of 6-fluoro-1-(piperidin-4-yl)indoline (128 mg, 0.5 mmol), 3-chloro-6-(4-methylimidazol-1-yl)pyridazine (78 mg, 0.4 mmol) in DMSO (1.5 mL) was added DIPEA (0.25 mL, 1.5 mmol). The resulting mixture was sealed and heated at 180° C. for 1.5 h under microwave irradiation. The resulting mixture was then poured into H₂O (30 mL) and the aqueous layer was extracted with 10% CH₂Cl₂/Et₂O (80 mL×4). The combined organic layer was dried (Na₂SO₄) and filtered. The solvent was removed and the resulting residue was purified by column (dry loading) using EtOAc then 3% MeOH/EtOAc as the eluent to yield 6-fluoro-1-(1-(6-(4-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)indoline.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ=8.15 (d, J=1.3 Hz, 1H), 7.29-7.37 (m, 2H), 7.12 (d, J=9.6 Hz, 1H), 6.89-6.97 (m, 1H), 6.28 (ddd, J=2.3, 7.9, 9.8 Hz, 1H), 6.15 (dd, J=2.1, 10.5 Hz, 1H), 4.47-4.60 (m, 2H), 3.53-3.69 (m, 1H), 3.40 (t, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 3.01-3.15 (m, 2H), 2.91 (t, J=8.3 Hz, 2H), 2.31 (s, 3H), 1.88-2.01 (m, 2H), 1.67-1.84 (m, 2H); MS: 379 (M⁺+1).

Example 14 1-(6-(4-(6-fluoroindolin-1-yl)piperidin-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl)methanol (Compound #15

Step 1: (1-(6-chloropyridazin-3-yl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl)methanol

To a mixture of 3,6-dichloropyridazine (3.73 g, 25 mmol), 4(5)-hydroxymethylimidazole (1.96 g, 20 mmol), and Cs₂CO₃ (8.14 g, 25 mmol) was added acetonitrile (80 mL). The resulting mixture was refluxed for 3 h and was then poured into H₂O (200 mL). 1N HCl(aq) was added slowly until the pH was ˜7-8. The aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc (150 mL) and then CH₂Cl₂ (100 mL×5). The combined organic layer was dried (Na₂SO₄) and filtered. The solvent was removed and the resulting residue was triturated with 10% CH₂Cl₂/Et₂O (30 mL×3) to yield (1-(6-chloropyridazin-3-yl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl)methanol. The filtrate was concentrated and was purified by column using 60-70-80% EtOAc/(CH₂Cl₂/hexane=1/1) as the eluent to yield a second crop of (1-(6-chloropyridazin-3-yl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl)methanol.

Step 2: (1-(6-(4-(6-fluoroindolin-1-yl)piperidin-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl)methanol

To a mixture of 6-fluoro-1-(piperidin-4-yl)indoline (100 mg, 0.4 mmol) and (1-(6-chloropyridazin-3-yl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl)methanol, prepared as in STEP 1 above (63 mg, 0.3 mmol) in DMSO (1.5 mL) was added DIPEA (0.16 mL, 0.9 mmol). The resulting mixture was sealed and heated at 180° C. for 1.5 h under microwave irradiation. The resulting mixture was then poured into H₂O (30 mL) and the aqueous layer was extracted with 10% CH₂Cl₂/Et₂O (80 mL×4). The combined organic layer was dried (Na₂SO₄) and filtered. The solvent was removed and the resulting residue was purified by column using EtOAc then 3-5% MeOH/EtOAc as the eluent to yield (1-(6-(4-(6-fluoroindolin-1-yl)piperidin-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl)methanol.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ=8.24 (s, 1H), 7.57 (s, 1H), 7.35 (d, J=9.9 Hz, 1H), 7.13 (d, J=9.9 Hz, 1H), 6.87-6.98 (m, 1H), 6.29 (ddd, J=2.3, 7.8, 9.7 Hz, 1H), 6.15 (dd, J=2.3, 10.6 Hz, 1H), 4.70 (s, 2H), 4.46-4.64 (m, 2H), 3.51-3.72 (m, 1H), 3.41 (t, J=8.3 Hz, 2H), 3.10 (td, J=2.3, 12.9 Hz, 2H), 2.91 (t, J=8.3 Hz, 2H), 1.88-2.02 (m, 2H), 1.75 (qd, J=4.0, 12.5 Hz, 2H) (OH not seen); MS: 395 (M⁺+1).

Example 15 6-fluoro-1-(1-(6-(4-methyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)indoline (Compound #16)

The title compound was prepared following the procedure as described in Example 14, reacting 4-methylpyrazole, 3,6-dichloropyridazine, and 6-fluoro-1-(piperidin-4-yl)indoline.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ=8.37 (s, 1H), 7.97 (d, J=9.6 Hz, 1H), 7.51-7.58 (m, 1H), 7.14 (d, J=9.6 Hz, 1H), 6.87-6.98 (m, 1H), 6.28 (ddd, J=2.3, 7.8, 9.7 Hz, 1H), 6.15 (dd, J=2.3, 10.4 Hz, 1H), 4.52 (dt, J=2.1, 13.6 Hz, 2H), 3.50-3.68 (m, 1H), 3.41 (t, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 3.07 (td, J=2.5, 13.0 Hz, 2H), 2.91 (t, J=8.3 Hz, 2H), 2.17 (s, 3H), 1.88-1.99 (m, 2H), 1.76 (qd, J=4.0, 12.5 Hz, 2H); MS: 379 (M⁺+1).

Example 16 1-(6-(4-(6-fluoroindolin-1-yl)piperidin-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methanol (Compound #22

The title compound was prepared following the procedure as described in Example 14, reacting 4-hydroxymethylpyrazole, 3,6-dichloropyridazine, and 6-fluoro-1-(piperidin-4-yl)indoline.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ=8.60 (s, 1H), 7.98 (d. J=9.9 Hz, 1H), 7.76 (s, 1H), 7.16 (d, J=9.9 Hz, 1H), 6.85-6.97 (m, 1H), 6.28 (ddd, J=2.3, 7.8, 9.7 Hz, 1H), 6.16 (dd, J=2.3, 10.6 Hz, 1H), 4.70 (d, J=5.8 Hz, 2H), 4.46-4.61 (m, 2H), 3.52-3.69 (m, 1H), 3.41 (t, J=8.3 Hz, 2H), 2.99-3.15 (m, 2H), 2.91 (t, J=8.3 Hz, 2H), 1.87-2.02 (m, 2H), 1.66-1.84 (m, 2H) (OH not seen); MS: 395 (M⁺+1).

Example 17 2-(1-(6-(4-(6-fluoroindolin-1-yl)piperidin-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)ethanol (Compound #43)

The title compound was prepared following the procedure as described in Example 14, reacting 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)pyrazole, 3,6-dichloropyridazine, and 6-fluoro-1-(piperidin-4-yl)indoline.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ=8.49 (s, 1H), 7.97 (d. J=9.6 Hz, 1H), 7.63 (s, 1H), 7.15 (d, J=9.9 Hz, 1H), 6.93 (dd, J=5.9, 8.0 Hz, 1H), 6.28 (ddd, J=2.3, 7.8, 9.7 Hz, 1H), 6.15 (dd, J=2.3, 10.6 Hz, 1H), 4.53 (dd, J=2.0, 11.4 Hz, 2H), 3.86 (q, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 3.51-3.68 (m, 1H), 3.32-3.47 (m, 2H), 3.08 (td, J=2.4, 12.8 Hz, 2H), 2.91 (t, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 2.83 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 1.95 (d, J=11.6 Hz, 2H), 1.76 (qd, J=3.9, 12.4 Hz, 2H) (OH not seen); MS: 409 (M⁺+1).

Example 18 1-(1-(6-(4-(ethoxymethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-6-fluoroindoline (Compound #72)

To a mixture of (1-(6-(4-(6-fluoroindolin-1-yl)piperidin-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methanol (59 mg, 0.15 mmol, 1 equiv) and ethyl iodide (93 mg, 0.6 mmol, 4 equiv) was added solvent THF (5 mL) and DMF (1 mL). NaH (36 mg, 60% in mineral oil, 0.9 mmol, 6 equiv) was then added. The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1.5 h and then poured into Et₂O/H₂O (20 mL/20 mL). The organic layer was washed with brine (20 mL), dried (Na₂SO₄), and filtered. The solvent was removed and the resulting residue was purified by column using 40-60% EtOAc/hexane as the eluent to yield 1-(1-(6-(4-(ethoxymethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-6-fluoroindoline, which was then re-crystallized from CH₂Cl₂/hexane upon slow evaporation.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ=8.58 (s, 1H), 7.98 (d, J=9.6 Hz, 1H), 7.73 (s, 1H), 7.15 (d, J=9.6 Hz, 1H), 6.93 (dd, J=5.8, 7.8 Hz, 1H), 6.28 (ddd, J=2.4, 7.8, 9.7 Hz, 1H), 6.16 (dd, J=2.1, 10.5 Hz, 1H), 4.46-4.60 (m, 4H), 3.50-3.68 (m, 3H), 3.35-3.46 (m, 2H), 3.01-3.14 (m, 2H), 2.91 (t, J=8.3 Hz, 2H), 1.95 (d, J=12.9 Hz, 2H), 1.76 (qd, J=3.8, 12.5 Hz, 2H), 1.17-1.29 (m, 3H); MS: 423 (M⁺+1).

Example 19 1-(1-(6-(1-ethyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-6-fluoroindoline (Compound #21)

The title compound was prepared following the procedure as described in Example 1, Method A, reacting 1-ethylpyrazole-4-boronic acid pinacol ester and 1-(1-(6-chloropyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-6-fluoroindoline.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ=8.01 (s, 1H), 7.92 (s, 1H), 7.40 (d, J=9.6 Hz, 1H), 6.99 (d, J=9.6 Hz, 1H), 6.89-6.96 (m, 1H), 6.27 (ddd, J=2.3, 7.8, 9.7 Hz, 1H), 6.15 (dd, J=2.3, 10.6 Hz, 1H), 4.49-4.61 (m, 2H), 4.24 (q, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 3.51-3.66 (m, 1H), 3.40 (t, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 3.04 (td, J=2.3, 12.9 Hz, 2H), 2.90 (t, J=8.3 Hz, 2H), 1.86-1.98 (m, 2H), 1.75 (qd, J=3.9, 12.4 Hz, 2H), 1.54 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 3H); MS: 393 (M⁺+1).

Example 20 6-fluoro-1-(1-(6-(1-propyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)indoline (Compound #79)

The title compound was prepared following the procedure as described in Example 1, Method A, reacting 1-propylpyrazole-4-boronic acid pinacol ester and 1-(1-(6-chloropyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-6-fluoroindoline.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ=8.60 (s, 1H), 8.28 (d, J=10.1 Hz, 1H), 8.22 (s, 1H), 8.16 (d, J=9.9 Hz, 1H), 6.96 (dd, J=6.1, 7.8 Hz, 1H), 6.45 (dd, J=2.4, 11.0 Hz, 1H), 6.27 (ddd, J=2.5, 7.8, 9.9 Hz, 1H), 4.47 (d, J=13.4 Hz, 2H), 4.16 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 2H), 3.77-3.90 (m, 1H), 3.21-3.43 (m, 4H), 2.84 (t, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 1.77-1.89 (m, 4H), 1.60-1.72 (m, 2H), 0.86 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H); MS: 407 (M⁺+1).

Example 21 2-(4-(6-(4-(6-fluoroindolin-1-yl)piperidin-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethanol (Compound #49)

Step 1: Ethyl 2-(4-(6-(4-(6-fluoroindolin-1-yl)piperidin-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)acetate

Ethyl 2-(4-(6-(4-(6-fluoroindolin-1-yl)piperidin-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)acetate was prepared according to the procedure as described in Example 1, Method A, STEP 4, reacting 1-(ethoxycarbonylmethyl)pyrazole-4-boronic acid pinacol ester and 1-(1-(6-chloropyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-6-fluoroindoline.

Step 2: 2-(4-(6-(4-(6-fluoroindolin-1-yl)piperidin-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethanol

To a solution of ethyl 2-(4-(6-(4-(6-fluoroindolin-1-yl)piperidin-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)acetate (90 mg, 0.2 mmol) in EtOH (3 mL) was added NaBH₄ (76 mg, 2 mmol). The resulting mixture was heated at 65° C. for 2 h and then poured into CH₂Cl₂/H₂O (50 mL/50 mL). The aqueous layer was extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (50 ml). The combined organic layer was dried (Na₂SO₄) and filtered. The solvent was removed and the resulting residue was purified by silica gel column using EtOAc to 2% MeOH/EtOAc as the eluent to yield 2-(4-(6-(4-(6-fluoroindolin-1-yl)piperidin-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethanol.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ=8.03 (s, 1H), 7.97 (s, 1H), 7.40 (d, J=9.6 Hz, 1H), 6.99 (d, J=9.3 Hz, 1H), 6.88-6.96 (m, 1H), 6.27 (ddd, J=2.3, 7.7, 9.7 Hz, 1H), 6.15 (dd, J=2.3, 10.4 Hz, 1H), 4.48-4.62 (m, 2H), 4.26-4.36 (m, 2H), 3.99-4.10 (m, 2H), 3.53-3.67 (m, 1H), 3.40 (t, J=8.3 Hz, 2H), 2.96-3.11 (m, 3H), 2.90 (t, J=8.3 Hz, 2H), 1.93 (d, J=12.1 Hz, 2H), 1.66-1.84 (m, 2H); MS: 409 (M⁺+1).

Example 22 2-(4-(6-(4-(6-fluoroindolin-1-yl)piperidin-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-N-methylacetamide (Compound #64)

In a flask was placed ethyl 2-(4-(6-(4-(6-fluoroindolin-1-yl)piperidin-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)acetate (45 mg, 0.1 mmol) and MeOH (2 mL) was added. Then, 40 wt % CH₃NH_(2(aq)) (8 mL) was added. The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 min and H₂O (10 mL) was added. The solid was filtered and washed with H₂O (5 mL×3), then dried to yield 2-(4-(6-(4-(6-fluoroindolin-1-yl)piperidin-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-N-methylacetamide as a white solid.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ=8.10 (s, 1H), 8.00 (s, 1H), 7.40 (d, J=9.8 Hz, 1H), 7.00 (d, J=9.4 Hz, 1H), 6.87-6.97 (m, 1H), 6.20-6.34 (m, 2H), 6.15 (dd, J=2.0, 10.6 Hz, 1H), 4.87 (s, 2H), 4.57 (d, J=12.9 Hz, 2H), 3.61 (t, J=11.7 Hz, 1H), 3.40 (t, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 3.06 (t, J=12.1 Hz, 2H), 2.90 (t, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 2.81 (d, J=5.1 Hz, 3H), 1.94 (d, J=11.7 Hz, 2H), 1.57-1.85 (m, 2H); MS: 436 (M⁺+1).

Example 23 1-(1-(6-(1-(2-ethoxyethyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-6-fluoroindoline (Compound #78)

Step 1: 1-(1-(6-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-6-fluoroindoline

1-(1-(6-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-6-fluoroindoline was prepared according to the procedure described in Example 1, Method A, STEP 4, reacting pyrazole-4-boronic acid pinacol ester and 1-(1-(6-chloropyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-6-fluoroindoline.

Step 2: 1-(1-(6-(1-(2-ethoxyethyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-6-fluoroindoline

To a mixture of 1-(1-(6-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-6-fluoroindoline (55 mg, 0.15 mmol, 1.0 equiv) and 2-ethoxyethylbromide (0.17 mL, 1.5 mmol, 10 equiv) was added THF (2 mL) and DMF (0.5 mL). NaH (30 mg, 60% in mineral oil, 0.75 mmol, 5 equiv) was then added. The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1.5 h and then poured into Et₂O/H₂O (20 mL/20 mL). The organic layer was washed with brine (20 mL), dried (Na₂SO₄), and filtered. The solvent was removed and the resulting residue was purified by column using 90-100% EtOAc/hexane as the eluent to yield 1-(1-(6-(1-(2-ethoxyethyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-6-fluoroindoline.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ=8.07 (s, 1H), 7.96 (s, 1H), 7.40 (d, J=9.3 Hz, 1H), 6.98 (d, J=9.6 Hz, 1H), 6.89-6.96 (m, 1H), 6.27 (ddd, J=2.4, 7.8, 9.7 Hz, 1H), 6.15 (dd, J=2.3, 10.6 Hz, 1H), 4.55 (dd, J=2.1, 11.2 Hz, 2H), 4.34 (t, J=5.3 Hz, 2H), 3.77-3.88 (m, 2H), 3.53-3.66 (m, 1H), 3.44-3.53 (m, 2H), 3.40 (t, J=8.3 Hz, 2H), 3.04 (td, J=2.4, 12.9 Hz, 2H), 2.90 (t, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 1.93 (d, J=9.9 Hz, 2H), 1.66-1.82 (m, 2H), 1.11-1.21 (m, 3H); MS: 437 (M⁺+1).

Example 24 6-fluoro-1-(1-(6-(5-methylthiophen-2-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)indoline (Compound #52)

The title compound was prepared following the procedure as described in Example 1, Method A, STEP 4, reacting 5-methylthiophene-2-boronic acid pinacol ester and 1-(1-(6-chloropyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-6-fluoroindoline.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ=7.48-7.54 (m, 1H), 7.24 (d, J=3.5 Hz, 1H), 6.88-6.99 (m, 2H), 6.75 (dd, J=1.0, 3.5 Hz, 1H), 6.27 (ddd, J=2.3, 7.8, 9.6 Hz, 1H), 6.15 (dd, J=2.3, 10.6 Hz, 1H), 4.57 (d, J=13.4 Hz, 2H), 3.53-3.67 (m, 1H), 3.39 (t, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 3.04 (t, J=13.0 Hz, 2H), 2.83-2.96 (m, 2H), 2.52 (s, 3H), 1.92 (d, J=13.4 Hz, 2H), 1.66-1.81 (m, 2H); MS: 395 (M⁺+1).

Example 25 2-(6-(4-(6-fluoroindolin-1-yl)piperidin-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)-5-methylthiazole (Compound #31)

To a mixture of 1-(1-(6-chloropyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-6-fluoroindoline (100 mg, 0.3 mmol) and Pd(PPh₃)₄ (35 mg, 0.03 mmol) was added 1,4-dioxane (2 mL) and then 3-methyl-2-tributylstannylthiazole (232 mg, 0.6 mmol). The resulting mixture was sealed and heated at 140° C. for 1.5 h. The resulting mixture was then absorbed on silica gel and purified by silica gel column using 40% EtOAc/hexane as the eluent to yield 2-(6-(4-(6-fluoroindolin-1-yl)piperidin-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)-5-methylthiazole.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ=8.01 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.52 (d, J=1.3 Hz, 1H), 7.02 (d, J=9.6 Hz, 1H), 6.90-6.96 (m, 1H), 6.28 (ddd, J=2.3, 7.7, 9.7 Hz, 1H), 6.16 (dd, J=2.3, 10.6 Hz, 1H), 4.60-4.72 (m, 2H), 3.55-3.71 (m, 1H), 3.39 (t, J=8.3 Hz, 2H), 3.09 (td, J=2.1, 12.9 Hz, 2H), 2.90 (t, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 2.53 (d, J=1.0 Hz, 3H), 1.90-2.00 (m, 2H), 1.74 (qd, J=4.0, 12.5 Hz, 2H); MS: 396 (M⁺+1).

Example 26 2-(6-(4-(6-fluoroindolin-1-yl)piperidin-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)-4-methylthiazole (Compound #29)

The title compound was prepared following the procedure as described in Example 25, reacting 4-methylthiophene-2-boronic acid pinacol ester and 1-(1-(6-chloropyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-6-fluoroindoline.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ=7.95 (d, J=9.6 Hz, 1H), 7.42 (d, J=9.6 Hz, 1H), 7.31 (d, J=1.0 Hz, 1H), 6.94 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 1H), 6.42 (dd, J=2.3, 11.1 Hz, 1H), 6.25 (ddd, J=2.5, 7.8, 9.9 Hz, 1H), 4.62 (d, J=12.9 Hz, 2H), 3.80 (t, J=11.7 Hz, 1H), 3.34-3.40 (m, 2H), 3.10 (t, J=13.0 Hz, 2H), 2.82 (t, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 2.43 (s, 3H), 1.80 (d, J=12.4 Hz, 2H), 1.49-1.70 (m, 2H); MS: 396 (M⁺+1).

Example 27 5-(6-(4-(6-fluoroindolin-1-yl)piperidin-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)-3-methyl-1,2,4-thiadiazole (Compound #12)

Step 1: 5-(6-chloropyridazin-3-yl)-3-methyl-1,2,4-thiadiazole

To 3-chloro-6-methylpyridazine (5 g, 39 mmol) was added SOCl₂ (29 mL) and the resulting mixture was heated at 73-75° C. for 20 h. The resulting mixture then was concentrated and the residue was dried in vacuo for 30 min. The residue was then dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ (80 mL) and ethanimidamide hydrochloride (3.69 g, 39 mmol) was added. 50% NaOH(aq) (10 mL) was then added dropwise at 0° C. The resulting mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for another 1 h. The resulting mixture was then poured into CH₂Cl₂/H₂O (100 mL/200 mL). The aqueous layer was extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (200 mL). The combined organic layer was dried (Na₂SO₄) and filtered. The solvent was removed and the resulting residue was purified by column using EtOAc/CH₂Cl₂/hexane (40/10/50) as the eluent to yield 5-(6-chloropyridazin-3-yl)-3-methyl-1,2,4-thiadiazole.

Step 2: 5-(6-(4-(6-fluoroindolin-1-yl)piperidin-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)-3-methyl-1,2,4-thiadiazole

5-(6-(4-(6-Fluoroindolin-1-yl)piperidin-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)-3-methyl-1,2,4-thiadiazole was prepared according to the procedure as described in Example 1, Method B, STEP 2, reacting 6-fluoro-1-(piperidin-4-yl)indoline as its corresponding HCl salt and 5-(6-chloropyridazin-3-yl)-3-methyl-1,2,4-thiadiazole, prepared as in STEP 1 above.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ=7.98 (d, J=9.6 Hz, 1H), 7.03 (d, J=9.9 Hz, 1H), 6.89-6.99 (m, 1H), 6.23-6.35 (m, 1H), 6.16 (dd, J=2.3, 10.6 Hz, 1H), 4.72 (d, J=13.9 Hz, 2H), 3.56-3.73 (m, 1H), 3.33-3.47 (m, 2H), 3.05-3.21 (m, 2H), 2.91 (t, J=8.3 Hz, 2H), 2.73 (s, 3H), 1.92-2.04 (m, 2H), 1.74 (qd, J=4.3, 12.5 Hz, 2H); MS: 397 (M⁺+1).

Example 28 6-fluoro-1-(1-(6-(p-tolyl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)indoline (Compound #36)

The title compound was prepared following the procedure as described in Example 1, Method A, STEP 4, reacting 4-methylphenylboronic acid and 1-(1-(6-chloropyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-6-fluoroindoline.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ=7.82-7.99 (m, 3H), 7.38 (d, J=9.9 Hz, 1H), 7.29 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 2H), 6.87-7.00 (m, 1H), 6.41 (dd, J=2.3, 11.1 Hz, 1H), 6.25 (ddd, J=2.5, 7.8, 9.9 Hz, 1H), 4.56 (br. s., 2H), 3.68-3.85 (m, 1H), 3.33-3.41 (m, 2H), 2.95-3.12 (m, 2H), 2.82 (t, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 2.28-2.40 (m, 3H), 1.77 (br. s., 2H), 1.50-1.70 (m, 2H); MS: 389 (M⁺+1).

Example 29 4-(6-(4-(6-fluoroindolin-1-yl)piperidin-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)phenyl)methanol (Compound #51

The title compound was prepared following the procedure as described in Example 1, Method A, STEP 4, reacting 4-hydroxymethylphenylboronic acid and 1-(1-(6-chloropyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-6-fluoroindoline.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ=8.49 (d, J=9.9 Hz, 1H), 8.20 (d, J=10.1 Hz, 1H), 7.94-8.08 (m, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.45-7.58 (m, J=8.3 Hz, 2H), 6.89-7.03 (m, 1H), 6.47 (dd, J=2.1, 11.0 Hz, 1H), 6.21-6.34 (m, 1H), 5.76 (s, 1H), 4.49-4.66 (m, 4H), 3.78-3.97 (m, 1H), 3.29-3.45 (m, 4H), 2.84 (t, J=8.3 Hz, 2H), 1.61-1.85 (m, 4H); MS: 405 (M⁺+1).

Example 30 6-fluoro-1-(1-(6-(4-fluorophenyl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)indoline (Compound #53)

The title compound was prepared following the procedure as described in Example 1, Method A, STEP 4, reacting 4-fluorophenylboronic acid and 1-(1-(6-chloropyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-6-fluoroindoline.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ=8.42 (d, J=9.9 Hz, 1H), 7.99-8.19 (m, 3H), 7.36-7.48 (m, 2H), 6.90-7.01 (m, 1H), 6.46 (dd, J=2.3, 11.1 Hz, 1H), 6.27 (ddd, J=2.3, 7.8, 9.9 Hz, 1H), 4.54 (d, J=13.6 Hz, 2H), 3.76-3.95 (m, 1H), 3.22-3.45 (m, 4H), 2.84 (t, J=8.3 Hz, 2H), 1.81-1.93 (m, 2H), 1.63-1.81 (m, 2H); MS: 393 (M⁺+1).

Example 31 6-fluoro-1-(1-(6-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)indoline (Compound #54)

The title compound was prepared following the procedure as described in Example 1, Method A, STEP 4, reacting 4-trifluoromethylphenylboronic acid and 1-(1-(6-chloropyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-6-fluoroindoline.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ=8.41 (d, J=9.6 Hz, 1H), 8.19-8.33 (m, J=8.3 Hz, 2H), 8.00 (br. s., 1H), 7.86-7.96 (m, J=8.3 Hz, 2H), 6.96 (t, J 10=6.9 Hz, 1H), 6.46 (dd, J=2.1, 11.0 Hz, 1H), 6.27 (ddd, J=2.3, 7.9, 9.8 Hz, 1H), 4.58 (d, J=13.1 Hz, 2H), 3.87 (t, J=11.7 Hz, 1H), 3.20-3.43 (m, 4H), 2.84 (t, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 1.80-1.93 (m, 2H), 1.63-1.80 (m, 2H); MS: 443 (M⁺+1).

Example 32 4-(6-(4-(6-fluoroindolin-1-yl)piperidin-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)benzoic acid (Compound #58)

The title compound was prepared following the procedure as described in Example 1, Method A, STEP 4, reacting 4-(t-butylcarbonyl)phenylboronic acid and 1-(1-(6-chloropyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-6-fluoroindoline to yield the corresponding Boc-protected title compound, which was then subjected to TFA de-protection.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ=13.01 (br. s., 1H), 8.17 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.95-8.10 (m, 3H), 7.43 (d, J=9.6 Hz, 1H), 6.83-7.04 (m, 1H), 6.42 (dd, J=2.3, 11.1 Hz, 1H), 6.25 (ddd, J=2.4, 7.9, 9.9 Hz, 1H), 4.55-4.72 (m, 2H), 3.69-3.88 (m, 1H), 3.34-3.43 (m, 2H), 3.08 (t, J=12.8 Hz, 2H), 2.82 (t, J=8.3 Hz, 2H), 1.80 (d, J=10.4 Hz, 2H), 1.50-1.70 (m, 2H); MS: 419 (M⁺+1).

Example 33 6-fluoro-1-(1-(6-(6-methylpyridin-3-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)indoline (Compound #30)

The title compound was prepared following the procedure as described in Example 1, Method A, STEP4, reacting 2-methylpyridine-5-boronic acid and 1-(1-(6-chloropyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-6-fluoroindoline.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ=9.04 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 8.28 (dd, J=2.3, 8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.66 (d, J=9.6 Hz, 1H), 7.28 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.05 (d, J=9.6 Hz, 1H), 6.89-6.97 (m, 1H), 6.24-6.33 (m, 1H), 6.16 (dd, J=2.1, 10.5 Hz, 1H), 4.57-4.69 (m, 2H), 3.56-3.70 (m, 1H), 3.40 (t, J=8.3 Hz, 2H), 3.09 (td, J=2.4, 12.9 Hz, 2H), 2.90 (t, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 2.62 (s, 3H), 1.89-2.02 (m, 2H), 1.75 (qd, J=3.7, 12.2 Hz, 2H); MS: 390 (M⁺+1).

Example 34 5-(6-(4-(6-fluoroindolin-1-yl)piperidin-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)pyridin-2-yl)methanol (Compound #39

The title compound was prepared following the procedure as described in Example 1, Method A, STEP 4, reacting 2-hydroxymethylpyridine-5-boronic acid and 1-(1-(6-chloropyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-6-fluoroindoline.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ=9.18-9.32 (m, 1H), 8.84 (br. s., 1H), 8.40 (d, J=9.9 Hz, 1H), 7.93 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 6.90-7.03 (m, 1H), 6.46 (dd, J=2.1, 11.0 Hz, 1H), 6.19-6.34 (m, 1H), 5.76 (s, 1H, OH), 4.83 (s, 2H), 4.62 (d, J=13.1 Hz, 2H), 3.74-3.94 (m, 1H), 3.20-3.45 (m, 4H), 2.84 (t, J=8.3 Hz, 2H), 1.85 (d, J=11.9 Hz, 2H), 1.57-1.77 (m, 2H); MS: 406 (M⁺+1).

Example 35 6-fluoro-1-(1-(6-(6-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-3-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)indoline (Compound #76)

The title compound was prepared following the procedure as described in Example 1, Method A, STEP 4, reacting 2-trifluoromethylpyridine-5-boronic acid and 1-(1-(6-chloropyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-6-fluoroindoline.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ=9.41 (s, 1H), 8.62-8.76 (m, 1H), 8.33 (d, J=9.9 Hz, 1H), 8.07 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 7.83 (br. s., 1H), 6.89-7.03 (m, 1H), 6.45 (dd, J=2.4, 11.0 Hz, 1H), 6.18-6.33 (m, 1H), 4.62 (d, J=13.1 Hz, 2H), 3.85 (t, J=11.6 Hz, 1H), 3.36 (t, J=8.3 Hz, 2H), 3.23 (t, J=12.5 Hz, 2H), 2.83 (t, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 1.84 (d, J=12.1 Hz, 2H), 1.68 (q, J=12.5 Hz, 2H); MS: 444 (M⁺+1).

Example 36 6-fluoro-1-(1-(6-(6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)indoline (Compound #37)

The title compound was prepared following the procedure as described in Example 1, Method A, STEP 4, reacting 2-methoxypyridine-5-boronic acid and 1-(1-(6-chloropyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-6-fluoroindoline.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ=8.80 (d, J=2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.35 (dd, J=2.5, 8.6 Hz, 1H), 7.94 (d, J=9.6 Hz, 1H), 7.41 (d, J=9.6 Hz, 1H), 6.89-6.98 (m, 2H), 6.41 (dd, J=2.3, 11.1 Hz, 1H), 6.16-6.30 (m, 1H), 4.58 (d, J=13.1 Hz, 2H), 3.91 (s, 3H), 3.67-3.84 (m, 1H), 3.34-3.42 (m, 2H), 3.05 (t, J=12.6 Hz, 2H), 2.82 (t, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 1.79 (d, J=14.1 Hz, 2H), 1.51-1.69 (m, 2H); MS: 406 (M⁺+1).

Example 37 5-(6-(4-(6-fluoroindolin-1-yl)piperidin-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)-N,N-dimethylpyridin-2-amine (Compound #44)

The title compound was prepared following the procedure as described in Example 1, Method A, STEP 4, reacting 2-(N,N-dimethylamino)pyridine-5-boronic acid and 1-(1-(6-chloropyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-6-fluoroindoline.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ=8.67 (d, J=2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.27 (dd, J=2.4, 9.0 Hz, 1H), 7.58 (d, J=9.6 Hz, 1H), 7.01 (d, J=9.6 Hz, 1H), 6.89-6.97 (m, 1H), 6.63 (d, J=9.1 Hz, 1H), 6.27 (ddd, J=2.3, 7.8, 9.7 Hz, 1H), 6.16 (dd, J=2.3, 10.6 Hz, 1H), 4.58 (dd, J=2.0, 11.4 Hz, 2H), 3.60 (tt, J=3.8, 11.7 Hz, 1H), 3.40 (t, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 3.16 (s, 6H), 3.05 (td, J=2.4, 12.9 Hz, 2H), 2.90 (t, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 1.88-2.00 (m, 2H), 1.75 (qd, J=4.3, 12.4 Hz, 2H); MS: 419 (M⁺+1).

Example 38 5-(6-(4-(6-fluoroindolin-1-yl)piperidin-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)-N-methylpicolinamide (Compound #42)

The title compound was prepared following the procedure as described in Example 1, Method A, STEP 4, reacting 2-(N-methylaminocarbonyl)pyridine-5-boronic acid and 1-(1-(6-chloropyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-6-fluoroindoline.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ=9.21 (d, J=1.5 Hz, 1H), 8.40 (dd, J=2.3, 8.3 Hz, 1H), 8.28 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 8.05 (q, J=5.3 Hz, 1H), 7.67-7.73 (m, 1H), 7.07 (d, J=9.6 Hz, 1H), 6.89-6.98 (m, 1H), 6.29 (ddd, J=2.3, 7.7, 9.7 Hz, 1H), 6.16 (dd, J=2.3, 10.4 Hz, 1H), 4.68 (d, J=13.6 Hz, 2H), 3.58-3.71 (m, 1H), 3.40 (t, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 3.08-3.17 (m, 2H), 3.07 (d, J=5.1 Hz, 3H), 2.91 (t, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 1.98 (d, J=12.4 Hz, 2H), 1.75 (qd, J=3.9, 12.3 Hz, 2H); MS: 433 (M⁺+1).

Example 39 6-fluoro-1-(1-(6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-1H-indazole (Compound #47)

Step 1: tert-butyl 4-(6-fluoro-1H-indazol-1-yl)piperidine-1-carboxylate

To 6-fluoro-1H-indazole (6.46 mmol, 880 mg) in DMF (15 mL) cooled to 0° C. under Ar was added 95% NaH (6.46 mmol, 163 mg). The resulting mixture was stirred for 15 minutes before tert-butyl 4-(tosyloxy)piperidine-1-carboxylate (7.11 mmol, 2.52 g) was added. After an additional 15 minutes at 0° C., the ice bath was removed and the reaction vessel placed in a 110° C. bath for 2.75 hours. After cooling to ambient temperature, the DMF was removed in vacuo and ethyl acetate (100 mL) was added. The organic layer was washed with water and brine, dried (MgSO₄), filtered and the solvent removed in vacuo. The resulting residue was purified by SiO₂ column chromatography (0-40% EtOAc/hexanes) to yield tert-butyl 4-(6-fluoro-1H-indazol-1-yl)piperidine-1-carboxylate.

Step 2: 6-fluoro-1-(piperidin-4-yl)-1H-indazole

To tert-butyl 4-(6-fluoro-1H-indazol-1-yl)piperidine-1-carboxylate prepared as in STEP 1 above (998 mg, 3.10 mmol) in DCM (20 mL) at 0° C. was added TFA (10 mL). The resulting mixture was then stirred for 1 hour. The solvent was removed in vacuo. To the resulting residue was added 0.5N NaOH (15 mL), followed repeated extraction with CHCl₃. The organic layer was dried with MgSO₄ and filtered to yield 6-fluoro-1-(piperidin-4-yl)-1H-indazole.

Step 3: 6-fluoro-1-(1-(6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-1H-indazole

6-Fluoro-1-(piperidin-4-yl)-1H-indazole (260 mg, 1.19 mmol), 3-chloro-6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazine (230 mg, 1.19 mmol) and DIEA (269 uL) in DMSO (4 ml) under Ar were heated in a microwave reactor at 200° C. for 1 hour. After removal of most of the DMSO in vacuo, water (10 mL) was added and the aqueous layer extracted several times with CHCl₃ (50 mL). The organic layer was washed with brine, dried (MgSO₄), decolorized with NORITE, filtered and the solvent removed in vacuo. The resulting residue was purified via ISCO column chromatography (Amine “Redisep” 14 gram column eluded 0-100% EtOAc/hexane over 20 column volumes), then re-crystallized from DCM with heptanes to yield 6-fluoro-1-(1-(6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-1H-indazole.

¹H NMR (400 MHz) δ 2.17-2.20 (m, 2H), 2.32-2.43 (dq, 2H), 3.20-.3.25 (t, 2H), 4.00 (s, 3H), 4.58-4.54 (m, 3H), 6.90-6.97 (t, 1H), 7.02-7.06 (d, 1H), 7.40-7.42 (d, 1H), 7.68-7.71 (m, 1H), 7.92 (s, 1H), 7.98 (s, 2H); MS: 378.0 (M⁺+1); Elemental analysis for C₂₀H₂₀FN₇: Theory(+0.1% water) C, 63.34; H, 5.37; N, 25.85. Found C, 63.17; H, 5.27; N, 25.81

Additional representative compounds of the present invention were similarly prepared according to the procedures as described in the general synthesis schemes and examples, above. Table 3 below, lists measured ¹HMR and/or MS values for the prepared compounds of formula (I).

TABLE 3 Measured Properties for Prepared Compounds of Formula (I) ID No. Compound Name, Structure and Measured ¹HNMR and/or MS 1 1-(1-(6-(4-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4- yl)indoline  

  ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ = 8.15 (s, 1 H), 7.28-7.37 (m, 2 H), 7.04-7.14 (m, 3 H), 6.64 (t, J = 7.3 Hz, 1 H), 6.48 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 1 H), 4.54 (d, J = 13.4 Hz, 2 H), 3.64-3.76 (m, 1 H), 3.29- 3.40 (m, 2 H), 3.02-3.15 (m, 2 H), 2.95 (t, J = 8.3 Hz, 2 H), 2.31 (s, 3 H), 1.97 (d, J = 11.9 Hz, 2 H), 1.75 (qd, J = 4.2, 12.4 Hz, 2 H); MS: 361 (M⁺ + 1) 5 5-fluoro-3-(1-(6-(3-methyl-1,2,4-thiadiazol-5-yl)pyridazin-3- yl)piperidin-4-yl)benzo[d]isoxazole  

  ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ = 8.01 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.55 (dd, J = 3.9, 9.0 Hz, 1 H), 7.28-7.37 (m, 2 H), 7.07 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 4.66 (d, J = 13.6 Hz, 2 H), 3.33-3.49 (m, 3 H), 2.73 (s, 3 H), 2.24-2.33 (m, 2 H), 2.06-2.19 (m, 2 H); MS: 397 (M⁺ + 1) 6 5-(6-(4-(1H-indol-1-yl)piperidin-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)-3-methyl-1,2,4- thiadiazole  

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ = 8.03 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.65 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1 H), 7.42 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1 H), 7.20-7.25 (m, 1 H), 7.17 (d, J = 3.3 Hz, 1 H), 7.11-7.16 (m, 1 H), 7.09 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 6.54 (d, J = 2.8 Hz, 1 H), 4.80 (d, J = 13.6 Hz, 2 H), 4.61 (tt, J = 3.9, 11.7 Hz, 1 H), 3.22-3.36 (m, 2 H), 2.74 (s, 3 H), 2.25- 2.35 (m, 2 H), 2.10 (qd, J = 4.0, 12.5 Hz, 2 H); MS: 377 (M⁺ + 1) 7 5-(6-(4-(indolin-1-yl)piperidin-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)-3-methyl-1,2,4- thiadiazole  

  ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ = 7.98 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.05-7.11 (m, 2 H), 7.02 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 6.65 (t, J = 7.3 Hz, 1 H), 6.48 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1 H), 4.72 (d, J = 13.6 Hz, 2 H), 3.75 (tt, J = 3.8, 11.8 Hz, 1 H), 3.34 (t, J = 8.3 Hz, 2 H), 3.14 (td, J = 2.3, 13.0 Hz, 2 H), 2.95 (t, J = 8.3 Hz, 2 H), 2.72 (s, 3 H), 2.00 (d, J = 10.9 Hz, 2 H), 1.74 (qd, J = 4.3, 12.5 Hz, 2 H); MS: 379 (M⁺ + 1) 8 5-fluoro-3-(1-(6-(pyridin-3-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4- yl)benzo[d]isoxazote  

MS: 376 (M⁺ + 1) 13 3-(1-(6-(1-ethyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-5- fiuorobenzo[d]isoxazole  

  ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ = 8.02 (s, 1 H), 7.93 (s, 1 H), 7.53 (dd, J = 3.8, 9.1 Hz, 1 H), 7.43 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.27- 7.38 (m, 2 H), 7.03 (d, J = 9.3 Hz, 1 H), 4.47-4.57 (m, 2 H), 4.24 (q, J = 7.3 Hz, 2 H), 3.37 (tt, J = 3.9, 11.3 Hz, 1 H), 3.18-3.29 (m, 2 H), 2.19-2.27 (m, 3 H), 2.06-2.18 (m, 2 H), 1.55 (t, J = 8 Hz, 3 H); MS: 393 (M⁺ + 1) 18 5-fluoro-3-(1-(6-(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)pyridazin-3- yl)piperidin-4-yl)benzo[d]isoxazole  

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ = 8.03 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.95 (dd, J = 2.5, 8.3 Hz, 1 H), 7.79 (dd, J = 3.8, 9.1 Hz, 1 H), 7.52-7.62 (m, 2H), 4.64 (d, J = 13.4 Hz, 2 H), 3.58 (tt, J = 3.3, 11.5 Hz, 1 H), 3.26-3.39 (m, 2 H), 2.62 (s, 3 H), 2.22 (d, J = 10.9 Hz, 2 H), 1.81- 1.97 (m, 2 H); MS: 381 (M⁺ + l) 19 (5-(6-(4-(5-fluorobenzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl)piperidin-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)- 1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)methyl acetate  

  ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ = 8.09 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.51-7.58 (m, 1 H), 7.28-7.37 (m, 2 H), 7.07 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 5.38 (s, 2 H), 4.67 (d, J = 13.9 Hz, 2 H), 3.34-3.51 (m, 3 H), 2.23- 2.33 (m, 2 H), 2.18 (s, 3 H), 2.06-2.17 (m, 2 H); MS: 439 (M⁺ + 1) 20 (5-(6-(4-(5-fluorobenzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl)piperidin-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)- 1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)methanol  

  ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ = 8.01 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.95 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.79 (d, J = 5.3 Hz, 1 H), 7.45-7.63 (m, 2 H), 6.01 (t, J = 5.8 Hz, 1 H), 4.75 (d, J = 6.1 Hz, 2 H), 4.66 (d, J = 12.1 Hz, 2 H), 3.57 (br. s., 1 H), 3.23-3.32 (m, 2 H), 2.22 (d, J = 11.9 Hz, 2 H), 1.79-1.98 (m, 2 H); MS: 397 (M⁺ + 1) 23 5-fluoro-3-(1-(6-(4-methylthiazol-2-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4- yl)benzo[d]isoxazoie  

  ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ = 8.07 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.54 (dd, J = 4.0, 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.28-7.38 (m, 2 H), 7.06 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 6.93 (d, J = 1.0 Hz, 1 H), 4.62 (dt, J = 3.1, 13.5 Hz, 2 H), 3.41 (tt, J = 4.0, 11.2 Hz, 1 H), 3.27-3.37 (m, 2 H), 2.51 (d, J = 1.0 Hz, 3 H), 2.20-2.30 (m, 2 H), 2.05-2.19 (m, 2 H); MS: 396 (M⁺ + 1) 24 5-fluoro-3-(1-(6-(6-methylpyridin-3-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4- yl)benzo[d]isoxazote  

  ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ = 9.09 (d, J = 2.3 Hz, 1 H), 8.29 (dd, J = 2.3, 8.1 Hz, 1 H), 8.01 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.93 (dd, J = 2.5, 8.3 Hz, 1 H), 7.79 (dd, J = 3.8, 9.1 Hz, 1 H), 7.55 (td, J = 2.8, 9.1 Hz, 1 H), 7.47 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.37 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1 H), 4.58 (d, J = 13.6 Hz, 2 H), 3.47-3.61 (m, 1 H), 3.17-3.28 (m, 2 H), 2.53 (s, 3 H), 2.19 (d, J = 10.4 Hz, 2 H), 1.87 (qd, J = 3.8, 12.3 Hz, 2 H); MS: 390 (M⁺ + 1) 25 5-fluoro-3-(1-(6-(2-methylpyridin-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4- yl)benzo[d]isoxazole  

  ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ = 8.60 (d, J = 5.1 Hz, 1 H), 7.83 (s, 1 H), 7.66-7.74 (m, 2 H), 7.51-7.58 (m, 1 H), 7.28-7.38 (m, 2 H), 7.08 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 4.63 (d, J = 13.6 Hz, 2 H), 3.38- 3.48 (m, 1 H), 3.34 (ddd, J = 2.7, 11.4, 13.8 Hz, 2 H), 2.65 (s, 3 H), 2.21-2.32 (m, 2 H), 2.08-2.20 (m, 2 H); MS: 390 (M⁺ + 1) 26 3-(1-(6-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-5- fluorobenzo[d]isoxazole  

  ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ = 10.23 (br s, 1 H), 8.14 (s, 2 H), 7.53 (dd, J = 3.9, 9.0 Hz, 1 H), 7.47 (d, J = 9.3 Hz, 1 H), 7.27- 7.38 (m, 2 H), 7.04 (d, J = 9.3 Hz, 1 H), 4.48-4.59 (m, 2 H), 3.38 (tt, J = 4.0, 11.2 Hz, 1 H), 3.19-3.31 (m, 2 H), 2.19-2.29 (m, 2 H), 2.05-2.19 (m, 2 H); MS: 365 (M⁺ + 1) 27 5-fluoro-3-(1-(6-(4-methylthiophen-2-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4- yl)benzo[d]isoxazole  

  ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ = 7.51-7.58 (m, 2 H), 7.27- 7.37 (m, 3 H), 7.01 (d, J = 9.3 Hz, 1 H), 6.94 (s, 1 H), 4.55 (dt, J = 3.1, 13.5 Hz, 2 H), 3.38 (tt, J = 3.9, 11.4 Hz, 1 H), 3.20-3.31 (m, 2 H), 2.30 (s, 3 H), 2.19-2.27 (m, 2 H), 2.05-2.18 (m, 2 H); MS: 395 (M⁺ + 1) 28 5-fluoro-3-(1-(6-(5-methylthiazol-2-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4- yl)benzo[d]isoxazole  

  ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ = 8.04 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.50-7.57 (m, 2 H), 7.28-7.38 (m, 2 H), 7.06 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 4.61 (dt, J = 3.2, 13.8 Hz, 2 H), 3.41 (tt, J = 4.0, 11.3 Hz, 1 H), 3.26- 3.36 (m, 2 H), 2.53 (d, J = 1.3 Hz, 3 H), 2.20-2.29 (m, 2 H), 2.05- 2.19 (m, 2 H); MS: 396 (M⁺ + 1) 32 5-fluoro-3-(1-(6-(p-tolyl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4- yl)benzo[d]isoxazole  

  ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ = 7.92 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 2 H), 7.67 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.53 (dd, J = 3.7, 9.0 Hz, 1 H), 7.27-7.38 (m, 4 H), 7.07 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 4.58 (d, J = 13.4 Hz, 2 H), 3.39 (tt, J = 3.8, 11.4 Hz, 1 H), 3.23-3.32 (m, 2 H), 2.41 (s, 3 H), 2.20- 2.29 (m, 2 H), 2.07-2.20 (m, 2 H); MS: 389 (M⁺ + 1) 33 5-fluoro-3-(1-(6-(6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4- yl)benzo[d]isoxazole  

  ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ = 8.89 (d, J = 2.3 Hz, 1 H), 8.51 (d, J = 10.1 Hz, 1 H), 8.35 (dd, J = 2.5, 8.8 Hz, 1 H), 8.23 (d, J = 10.1 Hz, 1 H), 8.01 (dd, J = 2.3, 8.3 Hz, 1 H), 7.81 (dd, J = 3.9, 9.0 Hz, 1 H), 7.52-7.61 (m, 1 H), 7.05 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1 H), 4.55 (d, J = 13.1 Hz, 2 H), 3.95 (s, 3 H), 3.65 (t, J = 11.2 Hz, 1 H), 3.52 (t, J = 12.3 Hz, 2 H), 2.24 (d, J = 12.4 Hz, 2 H), 1.94-2.11 (m, 2 H); MS: 406 (M⁺ + 1) 34 5-fluoro-3-(1-(6-(2-methoxypyrimidin-5-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4- yl)benzo[d]isoxazole  

  ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ = 9.24 (s, 2 H), 8.41 (d, J = 10.1 Hz, 1 H), 8.09 (d, J = 9.1 Hz, 1 H), 7.99 (dd, J = 2.5, 8.3 Hz, 1 H), 7.80 (dd, J = 3.8, 9.1 Hz, 1 H), 7.57 (td, J = 2.5, 9.1 Hz, 1 H), 4.55 (d, J = 13.6 Hz, 2 H), 4.02 (s, 3 H), 3.55-3.69 (m, 1 H), 3.40-3.52 (m, 2 H), 2.24 (d, J = 10.9 Hz, 2 H), 1.90-2.07 (m, 2 H); MS: 407 (M⁺ + 1) 35 (5-(6-(4-(5-fluorobenzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl)piperidin-1-yl)pyridazin-3- yl)pyridin-2-yl)methanol  

  ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ = 9.17-9.28 (m, 1 H), 8.77 (d, J = 6.6 Hz, 1 H), 8.38 (d, J = 9.9 Hz, 1 H), 7.97 (dd, J = 2.3, 8.3 Hz, 1 H), 7.87 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2 H), 7.80 (dd, J = 3.9, 9.2 Hz, 1 H), 7.52- 7.62 (m, 1 H), 4.79 (s, 2 H), 4.59 (d, J = 13.1 Hz, 2 H), 3.51-3.68 (m, 1 H), 3.33-3.48 (m, 3 H), 2.23 (d, J = 11.6 Hz, 2 H), 1.90-2.00 (m, 2 H); MS: 406 (M⁺ + 1) 38 6-fluoro-1-(1-(6-(2-methoxypyrimidin-5-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4- yl)indoline  

  ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ = 9.21 (s, 2 H), 8.00 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.46 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 6.89-6.98 (m, 1 H), 6.42 (dd, J = 2.3, 11.1 Hz, 1 H), 6.25 (ddd, J = 2.3, 7.8, 9.9 Hz, 1 H), 4.60 (d, J = 12.9 Hz, 2 H), 3.98 (s, 3 H), 3.72-3.85 (m, 1 H), 3.33-3.39 (m, 2 H), 3.07 (t, J = 11.9 Hz, 2 H), 2.82 (t, J = 8.3 Hz, 2 H), 1.79 (d, J = 12.1 Hz, 2 H), 1.50-1.67 (m, 2 H); MS: 407 (M⁺ + 1) 40 1-(1-(6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-1H- indazole  

  ¹H NMR(400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ 8.00 (s, 1H), 7.99 (s, 1H), 7.95 (s, 1H), 7.75 (d, 1H), 7.38-7.52 (m, 3H), 7.15-7.19 (m, 1H), 7.02 (d, 1H), 4.69-4.79 (m, 1H), 4.58-4.62 (m, 2H), 3.97 (s, 3H), 3.20- 3.29 (t, 2H), 2.37-2.48 (dq, 2H), 2.10-2.20 (m, 2H); MS: 360.0 (M⁺ + 1) 41 1-(1-(6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-2- (trifiuoromethyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole  

  ¹H NMR(400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ 8.01 (s, 1H), 7.95 (s, 1H), 7.90 (m, 1H), 7.48-7.53 (m, 2H), 7.30-7.37 (m, 2H), 7.06 (d, 1H), 4.62-4.81 (m, 3H), 4.00 (s, 3H), 3.11-3.21 (t, 2H), 2.60-2.76 (dq, 2H), 2.08-2.17 (m, 2H),; MS: 428 (M⁺ + 1) 45 N-(5-(6-(4-(6-fluoroindolin-1-yl)piperidin-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)pyridin-2- yl)acetamide  

  ¹H NMR (400MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ = 8.91 (t, J = 1.5 Hz, 1 H), 8.31 (d, J = 2.3 Hz, 2 H), 8.00 (s, 1 H), 7.63 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.05 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 6.93 (dd, J = 5.8, 7.8 Hz, 1 H), 6.28 (ddd, J = 2.3, 7.8, 9.7 Hz, 1 H), 6.16 (dd, J = 2.0, 10.6 Hz, 1 H), 4.64 (d, J = 13.4 Hz, 2 H), 3.63 (tt, J = 3.9, 11.8 Hz, 1 H), 3.40 (t, J = 8.3 Hz, 2 H), 3.03-3.15 (m, 2 H), 2.90 (t, J = 8.3 Hz, 2 H), 2.24 (s, 3 H), 1.90- 2.01 (m, 2 H), 1.75 (qd, J = 4.4, 12.3 Hz, 2 H); MS: 433 (M⁺ + 1) 48 1-(1-(6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-1H- benzo[d][1,2,3]triazoie  

  ¹H NMR(400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ 8.10 (d, 1H), 7.99 (s, 1H), 7.97 (s, 1H), 7.59 (m, 1H), 7.48-7.52 (m, 2H), 7.38-7.41 (m, 1H), 7.08 (d, 1H), 4.95-5.03 (m, 1H), 4.60-4.63 (m, 2H), 3.99 (s, 3H), 3.29- .3.38 (t, 2H), 2.49-2.59 (dq, 2H), 2.25-2.28 (m, 2H); MS: 361 (M⁺ + 1) 50 ethyl 2-(4-(6-(4-(6-fluoroindolin-1-yl)piperidin-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)-1H- pyrazol-1-yl)acetate  

  MS: 451 (M⁺ + 1) 55 tert-butyl 4-(6-(4-(6-fluoroindolin-1-yl)piperidin-1-yl)pyridazin-3- yl)benzoate  

  ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ = 8.07 (s, 4 H), 7.70 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.04 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 6.88-6.97 (m, 1 H), 6.28 (ddd, J = 2.4, 7.8, 9.7 Hz, 1 H), 6.16 (dd, J = 2.0, 10.4 Hz, 1 H), 4.66 (d, J = 13.9 Hz, 2 H), 3.57-3.69 (m, 1 H), 3.34-3.45 (m, 2 H), 3.03-3.16 (m, 2 H), 2.90 (t, J = 8.6 Hz, 2 H), 1.91-2.01 (m, 2 H), 1.69-1.84 (m, 2 H), 1.62 (s, 9 H); MS: 475 (M⁺ + 1) 56 4-(6-(4-(6-fluoroindolin-1-yl)piperidin-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)benzamide  

  ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ = 8.42 (d, J = 9.9 Hz, 1 H), 8.13 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2 H), 8.04 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 2 H), 7.52 (br. s., 1 H), 6.96 (t, J = 6.9 Hz, 1 H), 6.46 (dd, J = 2.4, 11.0 Hz, 1 H), 6.21-6.31 (m, 1 H), 4.56 (d, J = 13.1 Hz, 2 H), 3.78-3.93 (m, 1 H), 3.31-3.43 (m, 4 H), 2.84 (t, J = 8.5 Hz, 2 H), 1.80-1.91 (m, 2 H), 1.64-1.80 (m, 2 H) (NH₂ not shown); MS: 418 (M⁺ + 1) 61 4-chloro-1-(1-(6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin- 4-yl)-1H-indazole  

  ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ = 7.98 (s, 1 H), 7.97 (s, 1 H), 7.65 (d, 1 H), 7.42-7.45 (m, 3 H), 7.20-7.24 (m, 1 H), 7.02 (d, 1 H), 3.99 (s, 3 H), 3.18-3.25 (t, 2 H), 2.36-2.43 (dq, 2 H), 2.15-2.19 (m, 2 H), 4.58-4.67 (m, 2 H); MS: 394 (M⁺ + 1) 67 4-chloro-1-(1-(6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin- 4-yl)indoline  

  MS: 395 (M⁺ + 1) 68 4,6-dichloro-1-(1-(6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3- yl )piperidin-4-yl)indoline  

  ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ = 8.51 (s, 1 H), 8.20 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 8.17 (s, 1 H), 8.07 (d, J = 10.1 Hz, 1 H), 6.57-6.64 (m, 2 H), 4.46 (d, J = 13.4 Hz, 2 H), 3.93 (s, 3 H), 3.84-3.91 (m, 1 H), 3.45 (t, J = 8.6 Hz, 2 H), 3.25 (t, J = 12.3 Hz, 2 H), 2.90 (t, J = 8.6 Hz, 2 H), 1.76-1.86 (m, 2 H), 1.70 (qd, J = 3.3, 12.1 Hz, 2 H); MS: 430 (M⁺ + 1) 69 2-(4-(6-(4-(6-fluoroindolin-1-yl)piperidin-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)-1H- pyrazol-1-yl)acetamide  

  ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ = 8.10 (s, 1 H), 8.03 (s, 1 H), 7.40 (d, J = 9.3 Hz, 1 H), 7.00 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 6.93 (d, J = 13.6 Hz, 1 H), 6.20-6.35 (m, 2 H), 6.15 (d, J = 10.6 Hz, 1 H), 5.56 (br. s., 1 H), 4.88 (s, 2 H), 4.57 (d, J = 13.4 Hz, 2 H), 3.53-3.68 (m, 1 H), 3.40 (t, J = 8.3 Hz, 2 H), 3.06 (t, J = 12.6 Hz, 2 H), 2.90 (t, J = 8.2 Hz, 2 H), 1.94 (d, J = 11.4 Hz, 2 H), 1.68-1.83 (m, 2 H); MS: 422 (M⁺ + 1) 70 4-fluoro-1-(1-(6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4- yl)-1H-indazole  

  ¹H NMR(400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ = 8.06 (s, 1H), 7.97 (s, 1 H), 7.92 (s, 1 H), 7.42 (d, 1 H), 7.24-7.34 (m, 2 H), 7.04 (d, 1 H), 6.77- 6.81 (m, 1 H), 4.67-4.75 (m, 1 H), 4.59-4.63 (m, 2 H), 3.99 (s, 3 H), 3.21-.3.28 (t, 2 H), 2.35-2.45 (dq, 2 H), 2.16-2.19 (m, 2 H); MS: 378 (M⁺ + 1) 71 4-(2-(4-(6-(4-(6-fluoroindolin-1-yl)piperidin-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)-1H- pyrazol-1-yl)ethyl)morpholine  

  ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ = 8.07 (s, 1 H), 7.91 (s, 1 H), 7.40 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 6.99 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 6.89-6.96 (m, 1 H), 6.27 (ddd, J = 2.3, 7.9, 9.8 Hz, 1 H), 6.15 (dd, J = 2.3, 10.6 Hz, 1 H), 4.55 (d, J = 13.6 Hz, 2 H), 4.30 (t, J = 6.4 Hz, 2 H), 3.66- 3.74 (m, 4 H), 3.60 (tt, J = 3.7, 11.7 Hz, 1 H), 3.40 (t, J = 8.5 Hz, 2 H), 2.99-3.10 (m, 2 H), 2.82-2.94 (m, 4 H), 2.47-2.54 (m, 4 H), 1.93 (d, J = 11.6 Hz, 2 H), 1.67-1.82 (m, 2 H); MS: 478 (M⁺ + 1) 73 5-fluoro-1-(1-(6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4- yl)-1H-indazole  

  ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ = 7.98 (s, 2 H), 7.92 (s, 1 H), 7.40-7.45 (m, 2 H), 7.34-7.38 (m, 1 H), 7.14-7.20 (t, 1 H), 7.02- 7.06 (d, 1 H), 4.66-4.72 (m, 1 H), 4.58-4.62 (m, 2 H), 3.97 (s, 3 H), 3.20-.3.27 (t, 2 H), 2.34-2.44 (dq, 2 H), 2.17-2.20 (m, 2 H); MS: 378 (M⁺ + 1) 74 6-chloro-1-(1-(6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin- 4-yl)-1H-indazole  

  ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ = 7.97 (s, 2 H), 7.92 (s, 1 H), 7.65 (d, 1 H), 7.50 (s, 1 H), 7.42 (d, 1 H), 7.13 (d, 1 H), 7.04 (d, 1 H), 4.59-4.65 (m, 3 H), 3.98 (s, 3 H), 3.20-.3.27 (t, 2 H), 2.37-2.41 (dq, 2 H), 2.15-2.18 (m, 2 H); MS: 394 (M⁺ + 1) 75 3-(1-(6-(1-(2-ethoxyethyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4- yl)-5-fluorobenzo[d]isoxazole  

  ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ = 8.08 (s, 1 H), 7.97 (s, 1 H), 7.53 (dd, J = 3.8, 9.1 Hz, 1 H), 7.43 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.29- 7.39 (m, 2 H), 7.03 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 4.52 (d, J = 13.1 Hz, 2 H), 4.35 (t, J = 5.3 Hz, 2 H), 3.79-3.88 (m, 2 H), 3.49 (q, J = 7.0 Hz, 2 H), 3.31-3.44 (m, 1 H), 3.17-3.31 (m, 2 H), 2.19-2.29 (m, 2 H), 2.11-2.19 (m, 2 H), 1.17 (t, J = 6.9 Hz, 3 H); MS: 437 (M⁺ + 1) 77 1-(1-(6-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-6- fluoroindoline  

  ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ = 8.13 (s, 2 H), 7.44 (d, J = 9.3 Hz, 1 H), 7.00 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 6.89-6.97 (m, 1 H), 6.27 (ddd, J = 2.3, 7.9, 9.8 Hz, 1 H), 6.15 (dd, J = 2.3, 10.6 Hz, 1 H), 4.51-4.62 (m, 2 H), 3.53-3.69 (m, 1 H), 3.40 (t, J = 8.3 Hz, 2 H), 3.05 (td, J = 2.3, 12.9 Hz, 2 H), 2.90 (t, J = 8.5 Hz, 2 H), 1.88-2.00 (m, 2 H), 1.69-1.81 (m, 2 H) (NH not shown); MS: 365 (M⁺ + 1) 80 1-(1-(6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-4- (trifluoromethyl)-1H-indazole  

  MS: 428 (M⁺ + 1) 81 1-(1-(6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-6- (trifluoromethyl)-1H-indazole  

  MS: 428 (M⁺ + 1) 82 2-(4-(6-(4-(6-fluoro-1H-indazo-1-yl)piperidin-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)-1H- pyrazol-1-yl)ethanol  

  ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ 8.04 (s, 1H), 7.96 (s, 2H), 7.66-7.69 (m, 1H), 7.41 (d, 1H), 7.12 (d, 1H), 7.03 (d, 1H), 6.92- 6.96 (m, 1H), 4.59-4.62 (m, 3H), 4.31-4.33 (m, 2H), 4.05-4.07 (m, 2H), 3.21-.3.28 (t, 2H), 2.37-2.40 (dq, 2H), 2.15-2.18 (m, 2H); MS: 408 (M⁺ + 1) 83 3-chloro-1-(1-(6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin- 4-yl)-1H-indazole  

  ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ = 7.97 (s, 1 H), 7.92 (s, 1 H), 7.69 (d, 1 H), 7.41-7.45 (m, 2 H), 7.19-7.26 (m, 2 H), 7.02 (d, 1 H), 4.58-4.68 (m, 3 H), 3.98 (s, 3 H), 3.18-3.25 (t, 2 H), 2.36-2.41 (dq, 2 H), 2.13-2.19 (m, 2H); MS: 394 (M⁺ + 1) 84 3-(1-(6-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-5- fluorobenzo[d]isoxazole  

  ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ = 8.47 (br. s., 1 H), 7.94 (d, J = 9.1 Hz, 3 H), 7.79 (dd, J = 3.8, 9.3 Hz, 1 H), 7.65 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.55 (td, J = 2.0, 9.1 Hz, 1 H), 7.15 (br. s., 1 H), 4.52 (d, J = 12.9 Hz, 2 H), 3.45-3.59 (m, 1 H), 3.21 (t, J = 11.4 Hz, 2 H), 2.19 (d, J = 12.4 Hz, 2 H), 1.79-1.95 (m, 2 H); MS: 365 (M⁺ + 1) 85 5-fluoro-3-(1-(6-(4-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin- 4-yl)benzo[d]isoxazole  

  ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ = 8.17 (br. s., 1 H), 7.54 (dd, J = 3.9, 9.0 Hz, 1 H), 7.28-7.41 (m, 4 H), 7.16 (d, J = 9.9 Hz, 1 H), 4.50 (d, J = 13.6 Hz, 2 H), 3.34-3.46 (m, 1 H), 3.22-3.34 (m, 2 H), 2.32 (s, 3 H), 2.21-2.29 (m, 2 H), 2.05-2.19 (m, 2 H); MS: 379 (M⁺ + 1) 87 3-(1-(6-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-5- fluorobenzo[d]isoxazole  

  ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ = 8.64 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, 1 H), 8.04 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.75 (d, J = 1.5 Hz, 1 H), 7.54 (dd, J = 3.9, 9.0 Hz, 1 H), 7.27-7.39 (m, 2 H), 7.21 (d, J = 9.9 Hz, 1 H), 6.43- 6.54 (m, 1 H), 4.51 (d, J = 13.6 Hz, 2 H), 3.39 (tt, J = 3.9, 11.3 Hz, 1 H), 3.22-3.33 (m, 2 H), 2.20-2.31 (m, 2 H), 2.06-2.20 (m, 2 H); MS: 365 (M⁺ + 1) 88 1-(1-(6-(4-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-1H- indole  

  ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ = 8.17 (s, 1 H), 7.65 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1 H), 7.42 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1 H), 7.33-7.39 (m, 2 H), 7.20- 7.25 (m, 2 H), 7.08-7.20 (m, 2 H), 6.54 (d, J = 3.3 Hz, 1 H), 4.48- 4.67 (m, 3 H), 3.17-3.30 (m, 2 H), 2.32 (s, 3 H), 2.18-2.31 (m, 2 H), 2.04-2.18 (m, 2 H); MS: 359 (M⁺ + 1) 89 6-fluoro-3-(1-(6-(4-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin- 4-yl)benzo[d]isoxazole  

  ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ = 8.11-8.19 (m, 1 H), 7.66 (dd, J = 5.1, 8.8 Hz, 1 H), 7.31-7.39 (m, 2 H), 7.21-7.30 (m, 1 H), 7.16 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.08 (td, J = 2.3, 8.8 Hz, 1 H), 4.40-4.56 (m, 2 H), 3.42 (tt, J = 3.9, 11.2 Hz, 1 H), 3.21-3.35 (m, 2 H), 2.31 (s, 3 H), 2.19-2.29 (m, 2 H), 2.05-2.19 (m, 2 H); MS: 379 (M⁺ + 1) 90 1-(1-(6-(4-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4-yl)- 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline  

  ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ = 8.15 (d, J = 1.0 Hz, 1 H), 7.35 (s, 1 H), 7.32 (d, J = 9.9 Hz, 1 H), 7.12 (d, J = 9.9 Hz, 1 H), 7.04-7.10 (m, 1 H), 6.97 (s, 1 H), 6.73 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 1 H), 6.60 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 1 H), 4.48-4.60 (m, 2 H), 3.89-4.02 (m, 1 H), 3.15- 3.21 (m, 2 H), 3.04-3.15 (m, 2 H), 2.74 (t, J = 6.2 Hz, 2 H), 2.31 (s, 3 H), 1.79-1.98 (m, 6 H); MS: 375 (M⁺ + 1) 91 (1-(6-(4-(5-fluorobenzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl)piperidin-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)- 1H-imidazol-4-yl)methanol  

  MS: 395 (M⁺ + 1) 92 5-fluoro-3-(1-(6-(3-methyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4- yl)benzo[d]isoxazole  

  ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ = 8.52 (d, J = 2.3 Hz, 1 H), 7.99 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.54 (dd, J = 3.7, 9.2 Hz, 1 H), 7.27-7.38 (m, 2 H), 7.18 (d, J = 9.9 Hz, 1 H), 6.27 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, 1 H), 4.49 (dt, J = 3.1, 13.5 Hz, 2 H), 3.38 (tt, J = 4.1, 11.3 Hz, 1 H), 3.20- 3.32 (m, 2 H), 2.38 (s, 3 H), 2.20-2.29 (m, 2 H), 2.07-2.20 (m, 2 H); MS: 379 (M⁺ + 1) 93 5-fluoro-3-(1-(6-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin- 4-yl)benzo[d]isoxazole  

  ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ = 7.55 (dd, J = 3.2, 9.0 Hz, 1 H), 7.28-7.38 (m, 3 H), 7.20 (d, J = 1.3 Hz, 1 H), 7.14 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.06 (d, J = 1.5 Hz, 1 H), 4.51-4.62 (m, 2 H), 3.28-3.48 (m, 3 H), 2.58 (s, 3 H), 2.28 (d, J = 18.2 Hz, 2 H), 2.08-2.20 (m, 2 H); MS: 379 (M⁺ + 1) 94 5-fluoro-3-(1-(6-(4-methyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)piperidin-4- yl)benzo[d]isoxazote  

  ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ = 8.39 (s, 1 H), 7.99 (d, J = 9.9 Hz, 1 H), 7.55 (s, 1 H), 7.51-7.55 (m, 1 H), 7.28-7.38 (m, 2 H), 7.18 (d, J = 9.9 Hz, 1 H), 4.49 (dt, J = 3.1, 13.3 Hz, 2 H), 3.38 (tt, J = 3.9, 11.3 Hz, 1 H), 3.21-3.32 (m, 2 H), 2.21-2.29 (m, 2 H), 2.18 (s, 3 H), 2.07-2.17 (m, 2 H); MS: 379 (M⁺ + 1) 95 (1-(6-(4-(5-fluorobenzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl)piperidin-1-yl)pyridazin-3-yl)- 1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methanol  

  ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ = 8.61 (s, 1 H), 8.01 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.77 (s, 1 H), 7.54 (dd, J = 3.8, 9.1 Hz, 1 H), 7.27- 7.38 (m, 2 H), 7.20 (d, J = 9.9 Hz, 1 H), 4.71 (d, J = 5.8 Hz, 2 H), 4.51 (dt, J = 3.3, 13.5 Hz, 2 H), 3.39 (tt, J = 3.8, 11.3 Hz, 1 H), 3.22- 3.33 (m, 2 H), 2.20-2.30 (m, 2 H), 2.07-2.20 (m, 2 H), 1.59 (t, J = 5.7 Hz, 1 H); MS: 395 (M⁺ + 1) 96 5-fluoro-3-(1-(6-(4-(methoxymethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridazin-3- yl)piperidin-4-yl)benzo[d]isoxazole  

  ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ = 8.59 (s, 1 H), 8.01 (d, J = 9.9 Hz, 1 H), 7.74 (s, 1 H), 7.54 (dd, J = 3.4, 9.0 Hz, 1 H), 7.28- 7.38 (m, 2 H), 7.19 (d, J = 9.9 Hz, 1 H), 4.50 (dt, J = 3.1, 13.5 Hz, 2 H), 4.46 (s, 2 H), 3.39 (s, 3 H), 3.34-3.44 (m, 1 H), 3.23-3.33 (m, 2 H), 2.21-2.30 (m, 2 H), 2.07-2.20 (m, 2 H); MS: 409 (M⁺ + 1) 97 1-(1-(6-(4-(5-fluorobenzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl)piperidin-1-yl)pyridazin-3- yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-methylmethanamine

  ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ = 8.55 (s, 1 H), 8.00 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.72 (s, 1 H), 7.54 (dd, J = 4.0, 9.3 Hz, 1 H), 7.28- 7.38 (m, 2 H), 7.19 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 4.50 (dt, J = 3.1, 13.7 Hz, 2 H), 3.77 (s, 2 H), 3.38 (tt, J = 3.8, 11.2 Hz, 1 H), 3.21-3.33 (m, 2 H), 2.51 (s, 3 H), 2.20-2.31 (m, 2 H), 2.07-2.20 (m, 2 H) (NH not shown); MS: 408 (M⁺ + 1) 98 2-(1-(6-(4-(5-fluorobenzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl)piperidin-1-yl)pyridazin-3- yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)ethanol  

  ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ = 8.50 (s, 1 H), 8.00 (d, J = 9.9 Hz, 1 H), 7.64 (s, 1 H), 7.54 (dd, J = 3.8, 9.1 Hz, 1 H), 7.28- 7.38 (m, 2 H), 7.19 (d, J = 9.9 Hz, 1 H), 4.44-4.55 (m, 2 H), 3.86 (q, J = 6.3 Hz, 2 H), 3.38 (tt, J = 3.9, 11.3 Hz, 1 H), 3.21-3.33 (m, 2 H), 2.83 (t, J = 6.4 Hz, 2 H), 2.21-2.30 (m, 2 H), 2.06-2.21 (m, 2 H), 1.54 (t, J = 5.8 Hz, 1 H); MS: 409 (M⁺ + 1) I1 6-(4-(5-fluorobenzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl)piperidin-1-yl)pyridazine-3- carbohydrazide  

  ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ = 8.83 (br. s., 1 H), 7.99 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.54 (dd, J = 3.0, 8.8 Hz, 1 H), 7.28-7.37 (m, 2 H), 7.05 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 4.55-4.66 (m, 2 H), 4.08 (br. s., 2 H), 3.30-3.49 (m, 3 H), 2.18-2.33 (m, 2 H), 2.04-2.18 (m, 2 H); MS: 357 (M⁺ + 1) I2 N′-acetyl-6-(4-(5-fluorobenzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl)piperidin-1- yl)pyridazine-3-carbohydrazide  

  ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ = 9.86 (d, J = 4.5 Hz, 1 H), 8.01 (d, J = 4.8 Hz, 1 H), 7.97 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.49-7.59 (m, 1 H), 7.28-7.38 (m, 2 H), 7.04 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 4.62 (d, J = 13.4 Hz, 2 H), 3.29-3.52 (m, 3 H), 2.28 (d, J = 13.6 Hz, 2 H), 2.14 (s, 3 H), 2.00-2.19 (m, 2 H); MS: 399 (M⁺ + 1)

Biological Example 1 SCD1 Enzymatic Assay (In Vitro Assay) Step 1: Preparation of Rat Liver Microsome (RLM):

Sprague Dawley rats from Charles River (200-225 g) underwent 2-cycle of fast-re-feeding (24-hour fast followed by 24-hour feeding with fat-free high carbohydrate diet, Reseach Diet, D00042802). The livers were removed and homogenized 1:4 (w/v) with pre-chilled, homogenizing buffer (10 mM Tris-HCl, 0.25 M sucrose, 1 mM EDTA, pH 7.4, supplemented with protease inhibitor cocktail). The homogenate was spun at 12,000×g for 15 min at 4° C. The supernatant was then re-centrifuged at 100,000×g for 60 min at 4° C. The pellet was re-suspended in 2 ml pre-chilled 0.2 mM potassium phosphate buffer, pH 7.2, 10 mM EDTA at a concentration of 20 mg/ml. The resulting rat liver microsome (RLM) preparation was stored at −80° C.

Step 2: SCD1 Enzymatic Assay in RLM:

The SCD1 enzymatic assay was done in a volume of 50 μL using 10 μg of RLM (prepared as described above) in a 96-well polypropylene plate (enzyme reaction buffer contains 0.1 M K-Phosphate Buffer, 10 mM ATP, 6 mM MgCl_(2.) 1 mM CoA, 1 mM β-NADH, 1.6 mM L-glutathione, 20 μM Stearoyl-CoA). Stearoyl-[9,10-³H]-CoA (ARC-0390, 1 mCi/mL, 60 Ci/mmol,) was added at a final concentration of 2 μCi/mL. Test compound was then added to the reaction mixture at the selected concentration. After incubation at room temperature for 2 hours, 5 μL 1 N HCl was added to stop the reaction, followed by addition of 25 μL of 10% charcoal. The reaction mixture was then transferred to 96-well Multiscreen plate (Millipore, Cat#MSFCN6B50). [³H₂O] was collected into Opti-plate (PE, Cat#6005290) by centrifuge, at 1,000 rpm for 2 minutes. 150 μL Microscint 40 (PE, cat #6013641) was then added to each well and counted on Topcount for [³H] counts per minute (cpm). The measured cpm values were fitted with Sigmoidal dose-response curve fit with Graphpad Prism.

Biological Example 2 SCD1 ¹³C-Palmitic Acid Assay in A431 Cells (In Vitro Assay)

Human epithelial carcinoma A431 cells were seeded at 100,000 cells/well in complete growth medium (DMEM, Cellgro#10-013-CM, 4.5 g/L glucose, 10% FBS) in the presence of 0.05 mg/mL human insulin (Hannas Pharmaceutical Supply Co Inc, Humanlin 100 U/ml, 4 mg/ml) in 96-well tissue culture plate. 24 hr later, the cells were washed extensively with Assay Buffer (DMEM, Cellgro#10-013-CM, 4.5 g/L glucose, supplemented with 0.05 mg/mL Human Insulin and 0.1% Fatty Acid Free BSA). Assay Buffer including 20 μM U-¹³C16 palmitic acid (100 μL) was then added to each well (Cambridge Isotope Laboratories, CLM-409-0.5) followed by addition of 5 μL of vehicle or test compound. The cells were then returned to the tissue culture incubator (37° C. and 5% CO₂) for 4 hrs. At the end of incubation, the cells were washed three times with 200 μL/well Hanks buffer (HBSS) and then stored at −20° C. until extraction.

For fatty acid extraction, after thawing out the plates, 40 μL of 1N KOH (containing 5 μM of internal standard 7,7,8,8-D4 palmitate) was added to each well and cell plates were incubated at 37° C. for 30 minutes. Subsequently, 30 μL of cell lysate was transferred to the 96-well plate (Axygen, PCR-96-FS-C plate, Cat#321-60-051) and the plate incubate at 85° C. for 30 minutes. Heated cell lysate was quickly spun at room temperature and 5 μL formic acid (Sigma, Cat#251364) was added to neutralize the solution. Acetonitrile (100 μL) was then added to extract fatty acids, followed by centrifugation at 3000 rpm for 10 minutes. 75 μL of extract was then transferred to a new glass vial in a 96-well cluster plate. 5 μL was injected for LC/MS analysis for detection of ¹³C-palmitic acid and ¹³C-palmitoleic acid. Formation of product ¹³C-palmitoleic acid was determined as an index of SCD1 activity.

LC/MS analysis was performed as following. An Agilent 1100 Liquid Chromatographic System (Palo Alto, Calif.) consisting of a binary pump, a degasser and an autosampler was used. Separation of free fatty acids was performed on a Zorbax SB-C₈ column (2.1×50 mm, particle size=3.5 μm). An isocratic elution was carried out with 10 mM triethylamine acetate in water: acetonitrile (3:7) at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. The column temperature was set at 30° C. and the sample injection volume was 5 μL. The LC run cycle was 4 min. A Micromass triple-quadrupole Quattro Micro mass spectrophotometer (Waters, Beverly, Mass.) was interfaced with the LC system through a Z-spray electrospray ion source and was operated in the negative ion mode. Nitrogen was used as nebulizing gas, desolvation gas and cone curtain gas and argon was chosen as collision gas. The triple quadrupole MS source parameters were set as follows: capillary voltage, 3200V; cone voltage, 25V; exctractor 2V; source temperature, 120° C.; desolvation temperature, 300° C.; cone gas flow, 50 L/h; and desolvation gas flow, 700 L/h. Selected ion recording (SIR) was applied to detection of U-¹³C-palmitoleic acid at m/z 269.4 (M-H), U-¹³C-palmitic acid at m/z 271.4 (M-H) and 7,7,8,8-D4 palmitate (internal standard) at m/z 259.4 (M-H). MassLynx software version 4.0 was used for system control and data processing. The signal of U-¹³C-palmitoleic acid was normalized to an internal standard.

Plasma Desaturation Index Determination:

Total plasma lipid fatty acid desaturation index (C16:1/C16:0 and C18:1/C18:0) was determined after alkaline digestion. Briefly, 10 μl of plasma was added to 50 μL of 1 M KOH in 65% ethanol containing 10 μM internal standard (7,7,8,8-D4 palmitate) and incubated at 55° C. for 1 hr. After neutralization with 10 μL formic acid, fatty acids were extracted with acetonitrile and subjected to LC/MS measurement as described above.

Biological Example 3 SCD1 ¹⁴C-Palmitate Assay in A431 Cells (In Vitro Assay)

Human epithelial carcinoma A431 cells were seeded at 400,000 cells per well in 48-well tissue culture plate and treated with 2 cycles of fasting in low glucose medium (DMEM, Cellgro#10-014-CV, 1 g/L glucose, 2% Charcoal Filtered FBS) for 24 hours; and re-feeding with high glucose medium for 24 hours (DMEM, Cellgro#10-013-CM, 4.5 g/L glucose, 10% Charcoal Filtered FBS and 0.05 mg/mL Lilly Humulin R, Cat.#, HI-210). Prior to running the assay, the cells were washed twice with high glucose medium (400 μL), followed by addition of 250 μL assay buffer (DMEM, 4.5 g/L glucose, 0.05 mg/mL Human Insulin, 0.1% Fatty Acid Free BSA) to each well. Then, 100 μL of assay buffer containing 20 μM Palmitic Acid, 0.05 μCi ¹⁴C Palmitic Acid (Perkin Elmer, NEC075H) and test compound (at selected concentration) was added to each well. The cells were then Incubated at 37° C. and 5% CO₂ tissue culture incubator for 4 hours, followed by extensive washes with pre-chilled PBS. The cell plates were then frozen at −20° C. overnight. After thawing out the plates, 100 μL of 1N KOH was added to each well and the plates were incubated at 37° C. for 30 mins. Cell lysates were transferred to 1 mL Eppendorf tubes and incubated at 95° C. for 1 hour, followed by addition of 10 μL formic acid and 220 μL acetonitrile. The tubes were then centrifuged at 12,000 rpm and the supernatant dried under N₂ for 2-3 hours. Dried extract was re-suspended in 60 μL hexane and loaded onto TLC plates (pre-coated with 10% AgNO₃ in acetonitrile). The TLC plates were placed into glass running chamber containing 200 mL running solution (100 mL running solution: 92.5 mL chloroform, 6 mL methanol, 750 μL acetic acid, 750 μL dH₂O). After running, the TLC plates were air dried and scanned on Bioscan AR-2000 for quantification of ¹⁴C-palmitioleate and ¹⁴C-palmitate peaks. Area under the curve of the peaks were used to calculate product/substrate ratio, an index of SCD1 activity.

Representative compounds of the present invention were tested according to the procedures as outlined in Biological Examples 1-3 above, with results as listed in Table 4, below. Where a particular compound was tested multiple times, multiple measured values are listed below.

TABLE 4 Biological Activity for Representative Compounds of Formula (I) A431 cells A431 cells ID % Inh.@ 1 μM IC₅₀ (μM) ¹³C-PA IC₅₀ (μM) ¹⁴C-PA IC₅₀ (μM)  1 86 0.076 0.257  3 87 0.126 0.377  4 95, 95, 93 0.020, 0.012 0.009 0.068  5 89 0.068 0.139  6 79 0.034 0.062, 0.102  7 95 0.014 0.024  8 86 0.165 0.577  9 81 0.422 0.359 10 84 0.394 0.383 11 99, 100, 94, 0.021, 0.019, 0.015, 0.012, 0.12  102 0.091, 0.016 0.017 12 95, 97 0.011, 0.011 0.362 13 98 0.070 0.985 15 101  0.011 0.003 16 100  0.021 0.023 18 56, 52, 34, 27 0.315 0.248 20 96, 96 0.016, 0.014 0.011 21 94 0.017 0.040, 0.019 22 98, 91 0.022, 0.011 0.007, 0.005 23 100  0.021 0.003 24 98, 94 0.011, 0.004 0.009, 0.006 25 62 0.171 0.017, 0.017 26 86 0.111 0.112 27 75, 55 0.114, 0.122 0.004, 0.003 28 94 0.009 0.009, 0.016 29 97 0.007 0.002 30 95, 99 0.006, 0.019 0.002, 0.003, 0.002 31 97 0.031 0.004, 0.019 32 45 >1    33 100  0.007 0.004 34 75 0.095 0.017 35 99 0.008 0.002, 0.002 36 92 0.079 0.003, 0.018 37 98 0.012 0.004 38 97 0.011 0.034 39 99 0.009  0.0005 40 92 0.092 0.045 41 38 >1    42 71 0.035 0.006 43 90 0.020 0.011 44 92, 97 0.020, 0.014 0.032, 0.028 45 98 0.015 0.006 46 85 0.165 0.099 47 100, 96  0.036, 0.039 0.069, 0.033 48 60 0.939 49 95, 91 0.025, 0.019 0.021, 0.021, 0.022 50 93 0.031 0.044 51 96 0.022 0.008 52 92 0.121 0.006 53 59 0.777 54 85 0.090 0.054 55  8 >1    56 28 >1    57 72 0.286 0.241 58 78 0.349 0.390 59 99 0.035 0.028 60 81 0.173 0.042 61 101  0.015 0.017 62 79 0.317 0.407 63 99 0.023 0.025 64 102  0.015 0.012 65 83 0.181 0.218 66 57 0.678 67 32 >1    68 34 >1    69 68 0.387 0.559 70 94 0.068 0.082 71 71 0.275   >1, 0.160 72 99 0.008 0.009 73 86 0.145 0.262 74 96 0.016 0.022 75 98 0.021 0.081 76 97 0.016 0.014 77 95 0.021 0.020 78 99 0.012 0.041 79 97 0.022 0.072 80 74 0.052 0.731 81 96 0.008 0.015 82 99 0.053 0.096 83 102  0.006 0.011 84 85 0.156 0.157 85 97 0.065 0.148 87 45 88 84 0.086 0.116 89 88 0.257 0.691 90 29 91 96 0.052 0.040 92 79 0.126 0.063 93 41 94 96 0.012 0.040 95 88 0.096 0.062 96 98 0.008 0.022, 0.022 97 11 >1, >1 98 88 0.060 0.012 I1 100  0.059 >3.00  3.065 I2 27

Biological Example 4 4 Week Zucker fa/fa Rat Study (In Vivo Assay)

Male Zucker fa/fa rats were housed one rat per cage in a temperature-controlled room with 12-hour light/dark cycle. The rats were fed on regular rodent diet (Purina 5008) and allowed ad libitum access to water. The experiment was initiated at an age of 8-9 week, and at body weight of about 350 g.

Test compound was prepared in 0.5% HPMC for dosing q.d at 1 mg/kg, 3 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg, as noted in the table of results below. Body weight, food intake and fed blood glucose were monitored weekly. On day 26, all rats were given with the last dose 1 hr prior to the necropsy. Orbital bleeding was performed under 70%/30% CO₂/O₂ anesthesia to collect plasma.

Compound #11 of the present invention was tested according to the procedure as described above, with results as listed in Table 5 and 6, below. In the results presented below, * indicates a calculated p value <0.05 vs. vehicle-treated group.

TABLE 5 4-Week Body Weight (in grams) Treatment Day 1 Day 8 Day 15 Day 22 Day 26 Vehicle 373 ± 7 434 ± 9 476 ± 8 515 ± 7 534 ± 11 Compound 373 ± 7 404 ± 13 442 ± 12 * 482 ± 10 496 ± 10 #11 @ 1 mg/kg Compound 372 ± 6 417 ± 7 452 ± 6 * 484 ± 6 * 498 ± 6 * #11 @ 3 mg/kg Compound 373 ± 5 402 ± 6 * 430 ± 7 * 445 ± 9 * 451 ± 9 * #11 @ 10 mg/kg

TABLE 6 Plasma Desaturation Index at Day 26 Treatment C16:1/C16:0 C18:1/C18:0 Vehicle 0.183 ± 0.012 2.16 ± 0.07 Compound #11 @ 1 mg/kg 0.122 ± 0.005 * 1.59 ± 0.08 * Compound #11 @ 3 mg/kg 0.088 ± 0.002 * 1.14 ± 0.07 * Compound #11 @ 10 mg/kg 0.078 ± 0.002 * 0.92 ± 0.04 *

Biological Example 5 10-Day Diet-Induced Obese C57bl/6 Mice Study (In Vivo Assay)

Male DIO C57BL/6J mice from Taconic were maintained on high fat diet D12492 containing 60% kCal of mostly saturated fats (Research Diets Inc.) for 4 week from 6-week old. Test compounds were prepared in 0.5% hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose for oral dosing at 30 mg/kg once a day. After 10-days of treatment, body weight change was recorded.

Representative compounds of the present invention were tested according to the procedure as described above, with results as listed in Table 7, below. In the results presented below, * indicates a calculated p value <0.05 vs. vehicle-treated group.

TABLE 7 10-day dosing study, 30 mg/kg dosing Vehicle   2.8 ± 0.3 Compound #22   1.2 ± 0.3 * Compound #11 −2.1 ± 0.3 * Compound #39 −2.2 ± 0.5 * Compound #47 −3.3 ± 0.5 * Compound #49   0.5 ± 0.1 *

Formulation Example 1 Solid, Oral Dosage Form Prophetic Example

As a specific embodiment of an oral composition, 100 mg of the Compound #11, prepared as in Example 1 is formulated with sufficient finely divided lactose to provide a total amount of 580 to 590 mg to fill a size O hard gel capsule.

While the foregoing specification teaches the principles of the present invention, with examples provided for the purpose of illustration, it will be understood that the practice of the invention encompasses all of the usual variations, adaptations and/or modifications as come within the scope of the following claims and their equivalents. 

1. A compound of formula (I)

wherein R¹ is selected from the group consisting of

a is an integer from 0 to 3; each R² is independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁₋₄alkyl, C₁₋₄alkoxy, halogenated C₁₋₂alkyl, and halogenated C₁₋₂alkoxy; R³ is selected from the group consisting of

wherein R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, C₁₋₄alkyl, halogenated C₁₋₂alkyl, —C₁₋₂alkyl-OH, C₁₋₄alkoxy, halogenated C₁₋₂alkoxy, —C₁₋₂alkyl-O—C₁₋₂alkyl, —CO₂H, —C(O)O—C₁₋₄alkyl, —C₁₋₂alkyl-C(O)O—C₁₋₂alkyl, —C₁₋₂alkyl-OC(O)—C₁₋₂alkyl, —NR^(A)R^(B), —C₁₋₂alkyl-NR^(A)R^(B), —C(O)—NR^(A)R^(B), —C₁₋₂alkyl-C(O)—NR^(A)R^(B) and —NR^(A)—C(O)—(C₁₋₂alkyl);

wherein R⁵ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₄alkyl, —C₂₋₄alkyl-OH, —C₂₋₃alkyl-O—C₁₋₂alkyl, —C₁₋₂alkyl-C(O)O—C₁₋₂alkyl, —C₂₋₃alkyl-OC(O)—C₁₋₂alkyl, —C₂₋₄alkyl-NR^(A)R^(B) and —C₁₋₂alkyl-C(O)NR^(A)R^(B); and

wherein b is an integer from 0 to 2; wherein each R⁶ is independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁₋₄alkyl, halogenated C₁₋₄alkyl, —C₁₋₂alkyl-OH, C₁₋₄alkoxy, halogenated C₁₋₄alkoxy, —C₁₋₂alkyl-O—C₁₋₂alkyl, —CO₂H, —C(O)O—C₁₋₄alkyl, —C₁₋₂alkyl-C(O)O—C₁₋₂alkyl, —C₁₋₂alkyl-OC(O)—C₁₋₂alkyl, —C(O)—NR^(A)R^(B), —C₁₋₂alkyl-C(O)—NR^(A)R^(B), —NR^(A)R^(B), —C₁₋₂alkyl-NR^(A)R^(B) and —NR^(A)—C(O)—C₁₋₂alkyl; and wherein R^(A) and R^(B) are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C₁₋₂alkyl; alternatively R^(A) and R^(B) are taken together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bound to form piperidin-1-yl, piperazin-1-yl, morpholin-4-yl and pyrrolidin-1-yl; provided that when R³ is 3-methyl-1,2,4-thiadiazol-5-yl, then R¹ is other than unsubstituted indoly-3-yl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 2. A compound as in claim 1, wherein R¹ is selected from the group consisting of

a is an integer from 0 to 2; each R² is independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁₋₂alkyl, C₁₋₂alkoxy, fluorinated C₁₋₂alkyl, and fluorinated C₁₋₂alkoxy; R³ is selected from the group consisting of

wherein R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, C₁₋₄alkyl, fluorinated C₁₋₂alkyl, —C₁₋₂alkyl-OH, C₁₋₂alkoxy, fluorinated C₁₋₂alkoxy, —C₁₋₂alkyl-O—C₁₋₂alkyl, —CO₂H, —C(O)O—C₁₋₂alkyl, —C₁₋₂alkyl-OC(O)—C₁₋₂alkyl, —NR^(A)R^(B), —C₁₋₂alkyl-NR^(A)R^(B), —C(O)—NR^(A)R^(B), —C₁₋₂alkyl-C(O)—NR^(A)R^(B) and —NR^(A)—C(O)—(C₁₋₂alkyl);

wherein R⁵ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₄alkyl, —C₂₋₄alkyl-OH, —C₂₋₃alkyl-O—C₁₋₂alkyl, —C₁₋₂alkyl-C(O)O—C₁₋₂alkyl, —C₂₋₄alkyl-NR^(A)R^(B) and —C₁₋₂alkyl-C(O)NR^(A)R^(B); and

wherein b is an integer from 0 to 1; wherein each R⁶ is independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁₋₄alkyl, fluorinated C₁₋₂alkyl, —C₁₋₂alkyl-OH, C₁₋₂alkoxy, fluorinated C₁₋₂alkoxy, —CO₂H, —C(O)O—C₁₋₄alkyl, —C₁₋₂alkyl-C(O)O—C₁₋₂alkyl, —C(O)—NR^(A)R^(B), —C₁₋₂alkyl-C(O)—NR^(A)R^(B), —NR^(A)R^(B) and —C₁₋₂alkyl-NR^(A)R^(B); and wherein R^(A) and R^(B) are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C₁₋₂alkyl; alternatively R^(A) and R^(B) are taken together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bound to form piperidin-1-yl, piperazin-1-yl and morpholin-4-yl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 3. A compound as in claim 2, wherein R¹ is selected from the group consisting of

a is an integer from 0 to 2; each R² is independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁₋₂alkyl, C₁₋₂alkoxy and trifluoromethyl; R³ is selected from the group consisting of

wherein R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, C₁₋₂alkyl, trifluoromethyl, —C₁₋₂alkyl-OH, C₁₋₂alkoxy, —C₁₋₂alkyl-O—C₁₋₂alkyl, —C₁₋₂alkyl-OC(O)—C₁₋₂alkyl, —NR^(A)R^(B), —C₁₋₂alkyl-NR^(A)R^(B), —C(O)—NR^(A)R^(B), and —NR^(A)—C(O)—(C₁₋₂alkyl);

wherein R⁵ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₃alkyl, —C₂alkyl-OH, —C₂₋₃alkyl-O—C₁₋₂alkyl, —C₁₋₂alkyl-C(O)O—C₁₋₂alkyl, —C₂₋₄alkyl-NR^(A)R^(B) and —C₁₋₂alkyl-C(O)NR^(A)R^(B); and

wherein b is 1; and wherein R⁶ is selected from the group consisting of, halogen, C₁₋₂alkyl, trifluoromethyl, —C₁₋₂alkyl-OH, —CO₂H, —C(O)O—C₁₋₄alkyl and —C(O)—NR^(A)R^(B); and wherein R^(A) and R^(B) are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C₁₋₂alkyl; alternatively R^(A) and R^(B) are taken together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bound to form morpholin-4-yl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 4. A compound as in claim 3, wherein R¹ is selected from the group consisting of indol-1-yl, 6-fluoro-indol-1-yl, indolin-1-yl, 4-fluoro-indolin-1-yl, 5-fluoro-indolin-1-yl, 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl, 4-chloro-indolin-1-yl, 5-chloro-indolin-1-yl, 6-chloro-indolin-1-yl, 4,6-dichloro-indolin-1-yl, 6-methyl-indolin-1-yl, 6-methoxy-indolin-1-yl, 6-trifluoromethyl-indolin-1-yl, 1H-indazol-1-yl, 4-fluoro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 5-fluoro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 6-fluoro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 3-chloro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 4-chloro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 6-chloro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 4-trifluoromethyl-1H-indazol-1-yl, 6-trifluoromethyl-1H-indazol-1-yl, 2-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-1-yl, 1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol-1-yl, 5-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl, 6-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-1-yl, and 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolin-1-yl; R³ is selected from the group consisting of (a) pyrazol-1-yl, 3-methyl-pyrazol-1-yl, 4-methyl-pyrazol-1-yl, 4-(hydroxymethyl)-pyrazol-1-yl, 4-(hydroxyethyl)-pyrazol-1-yl, 4-(methoxy-methyl)-pyrazol-1-yl, 4-(ethoxy-methyl)-pyrazol-1-yl, 4-(methylamino-methyl)-pyrazol-1-yl; (b) imidazol-1-yl, 2-methyl-imidazol-1-yl, 4-methyl-imidazol-1-yl, 4-(hydroxymethyl)-imidazol-1-yl; (c) 5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl, 5-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl, 5-(methylcarbonyl-oxy-methyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl; (d) 4-methyl-thien-2-yl, 5-methyl-thien-2-yl; (e) 4-methyl-thiazol-2-yl, 5-methyl-thiazol-2-yl; (f) 3-methyl-1,2,4-thiadiazol-5-yl; (g) pyrid-3-yl, 6-methyl-pyrid-3-yl, 6-methoxy-pyrid-3-yl, 6-(hydroxymethyl)-pyrid-3-yl, 6-(trifluoromethyl)-pyrid-3-yl, 6-(methylamino-carbonyl)-pyrid-3-yl, 6-(dimethylamino)-pyrid-3-yl, 6-(methylcarbonyl-amino)-pyrid-3-yl; (h) 2-methyl-pyrid-4-yl; (i) 2-methyl-pyrimidin-5-yl, 2-methoxy-pyrimidin-5-yl; (j) 1H-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-methyl-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-ethyl-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-(n-propyl)-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-(hydroxyethyl)-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-(ethoxycarbonyl-methyl)-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-(aminocarbonyl-methyl)-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-(methylamino-carbonyl-methyl)-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-(morpholin-4-yl-ethyl)-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-(ethoxy-ethyl)-pyrazol-4-yl; and (k) 4-fluoro-phenyl, 4-methyl-phenyl, 4-(hydroxymethyl)-phenyl, 4-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl, 4-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-phenyl, 4-(carboxy)-phenyl, 4-(aminocarbonyl)-phenyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 5. A compound as in claim 4, wherein R¹ is selected from the group consisting of indol-1-yl, 6-fluoro-indolyl, indolin-1-yl, 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl, 1H-indazol-1-yl, 4-fluoro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 6-fluoro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 3-chloro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 4-chloro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 6-chloro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 4-trifluoromethyl-1H-indazol-1-yl, 6-trifluoromethyl-1H-indazol-1-yl and 5-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl; R³ is selected from the group consisting of (a) 4-methyl-pyrazol-1-yl, 4-(hydroxymethyl)-pyrazol-1-yl, 4-(hydroxyethyl)-pyrazol-1-yl, 4-(methoxy-methyl)-pyrazol-1-yl, 4-(ethoxy-methyl)-pyrazol-1-yl; (b) 4-methyl-imidazol-1-yl, 4-(hydroxymethyl)-imidazol-1-yl; (c) 5-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl; (e) 4-methyl-thiazol-2-yl, 5-methyl-thiazol-2-yl; (f) 3-methyl-1,2,4-thiadiazol-5-yl; (g) 6-methyl-pyrid-3-yl, 6-methoxy-pyrid-3-yl, 6-(hydroxymethyl)-pyrid-3-yl, 6-(trifluoromethyl)-pyrid-3-yl, 6-(methylamino-carbonyl)-pyrid-3-yl, 6-(dimethylamino)-pyrid-3-yl, 6-(methylcarbonyl-amino)-pyrid-3-yl; (i) 2-methoxy-pyrimidin-5-yl; (j) 1H-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-methyl-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-ethyl-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-(n-propyl)-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-(hydroxyethyl)-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-(ethoxycarbonyl-methyl)-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-(methylamino-carbonyl-methyl)-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-(ethoxy-ethyl)-pyrazol-4-yl; and (k) 4-methyl-phenyl, 4-(hydroxymethyl)-phenyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 6. A compound as in claim 5, wherein R¹ is selected from the group consisting of indol-1-yl, 6-fluoro-indolyl, indolin-1-yl, 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl, 6-fluoro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 3-chloro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 4-chloro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 6-chloro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 6-trifluoromethyl-1H-indazol-1-yl and 5-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl; R³ is selected from the group consisting of (a) 4-methyl-pyrazol-1-yl, 4-(hydroxymethyl)-pyrazol-1-yl, 4-(hydroxyethyl)-pyrazol-1-yl, 4-(methoxy-methyl)-pyrazol-1-yl, 4-(ethoxy-methyl)-pyrazol-1-yl; (b) 4-methyl-imidazol-1-yl, 4-(hydroxymethyl)-imidazol-1-yl; (c) 5-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl; (e) 4-methyl-thiazol-2-yl, 5-methyl-thiazol-2-yl; (f) 3-methyl-1,2,4-thiadiazol-5-yl; (g) 6-methyl-pyrid-3-yl, 6-methoxy-pyrid-3-yl, 6-(hydroxymethyl)-pyrid-3-yl, 6-(trifluoromethyl)-pyrid-3-yl, 6-(methylamino-carbonyl)-pyrid-3-yl, 6-(dimethylamino)-pyrid-3-yl, 6-(methylcarbonyl-amino)-pyrid-3-yl; (i) 2-methoxy-pyrimidin-5-yl; (j) 1H-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-methyl-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-ethyl-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-(n-propyl)-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-(hydroxyethyl)-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-(ethoxycarbonyl-methyl)-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-(methylamino-carbonyl-methyl)-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-(ethoxy-ethyl)-pyrazol-4-yl; and (k) 4-(hydroxymethyl)-phenyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 7. A compound as in claim 4, wherein R¹ is selected from the group consisting of indol-1-yl, indolin-1-yl, 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl, 3-chloro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 4-chloro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 6-chloro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 6-trifluoromethyl-1H-indazol-1-yl and 5-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl; R³ is selected from the group consisting of (a) 4-methyl-pyrazol-1-yl, 4-(hydroxymethyl)-pyrazol-1-yl, 4-(methoxy-methyl)-pyrazol-1-yl, 4-(ethoxy-methyl)-pyrazol-1-yl; (b) 4-methyl-imidazol-1-yl, 4-(hydroxymethyl)-imidazol-1-yl; (c) 5-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl; (e) 4-methyl-thiazol-2-yl, 5-methyl-thiazol-2-yl; (f) 3-methyl-1,2,4-thiadiazol-5-yl; (g) 6-methyl-pyrid-3-yl, 6-methoxy-pyrid-3-yl, 6-(hydroxymethyl)-pyrid-3-yl, 6-(trifluoromethyl)-pyrid-3-yl, 6-(dimethylamino)-pyrid-3-yl, 6-(methylcarbonyl-amino)-pyrid-3-yl; (i) 2-methoxy-pyrimidin-5-yl; (j) 1-methyl-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-ethyl-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-(n-propyl)-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-(methylamino-carbonyl-methyl)-pyrazol-4-yl and 1-(ethoxy-ethyl)-pyrazol-4-yl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 8. A compound as in claim 4, wherein R¹ is selected from the group consisting of indol-1-yl, 6-fluoro-indol-1-yl, indolin-1-yl, 5-fluoro-indolin-1-yl, 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl, 6-chloro-indolin-1-yl, 6-trifluoromethyl-indolin-1-yl, 1H-indazol-1-yl, 4-fluoro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 6-fluoro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 3-chloro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 4-chloro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 6-chloro-1H-indazol-1-yl and 5-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl; R³ is selected from the group consisting of (a) 3-methyl-pyrazol-1-yl, 4-methyl-pyrazol-1-yl, 4-(hydroxymethyl)-pyrazol-1-yl, 4-(hydroxyethyl)-pyrazol-1-yl, 4-(methoxy-methyl)-pyrazol-1-yl, 4-(ethoxy-methyl)-pyrazol-1-yl; (b) 4-methyl-imidazol-1-yl, 4-(hydroxymethyl)-imidazol-1-yl; (c) 5-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl; (d) 4-methyl-thien-2-yl, 5-methyl-thien-2-yl; (e) 4-methyl-thiazol-2-yl, 5-methyl-thiazol-2-yl; (f) 3-methyl-1,2,4-thiadiazol-5-yl; (g) 6-methyl-pyrid-3-yl, 6-methoxy-pyrid-3-yl, 6-(hydroxymethyl)-pyrid-3-yl, 6-(trifluoromethyl)-pyrid-3-yl, 6-(methylamino-carbonyl)-pyrid-3-yl, 6-(dimethylamino)-pyrid-3-yl, 6-(methylcarbonyl-amino)-pyrid-3-yl; (h) 2-methyl-pyrid-4-yl; (i) 2-methoxy-pyrimidin-5-yl; (j) 1H-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-methyl-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-ethyl-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-(n-propyl)-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-(hydroxyethyl)-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-(ethoxycarbonyl-methyl)-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-(methylamino-carbonyl-methyl)-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-(ethoxy-ethyl)-pyrazol-4-yl; and (k) 4-methyl-phenyl, 4-(hydroxymethyl)-phenyl, 4-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 9. A compound as in claim 8, wherein R¹ is selected from the group consisting of 6-fluoro-indol-1-yl, indolin-1-yl, 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl, 6-chloro-indolin-1-yl, 6-trifluoromethyl-indolin-1-yl, 1H-indazol-1-yl, 6-fluoro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 3-chloro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 4-chloro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 6-chloro-1H-indazol-1-yl and 5-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl; R³ is selected from the group consisting of (a) 4-methyl-pyrazol-1-yl, 4-(hydroxymethyl)-pyrazol-1-yl, 4-(hydroxyethyl)-pyrazol-1-yl, 4-(methoxy-methyl)-pyrazol-1-yl, 4-(ethoxy-methyl)-pyrazol-1-yl; (b) 4-(hydroxymethyl)-imidazol-1-yl; (c) 5-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl; (d) 4-methyl-thien-2-yl, 5-methyl-thien-2-yl; (e) 4-methyl-thiazol-2-yl, 5-methyl-thiazol-2-yl; (f) 3-methyl-1,2,4-thiadiazol-5-yl; (g) 6-methyl-pyrid-3-yl, 6-methoxy-pyrid-3-yl, 6-(hydroxymethyl)-pyrid-3-yl, 6-(trifluoromethyl)-pyrid-3-yl, 6-(methylamino-carbonyl)-pyrid-3-yl, 6-(dimethylamino)-pyrid-3-yl, 6-(methylcarbonyl-amino)-pyrid-3-yl; (h) 2-methyl-pyrid-4-yl; (i) 2-methoxy-pyrimidin-5-yl; (j) 1H-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-methyl-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-ethyl-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-(hydroxyethyl)-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-(ethoxycarbonyl-methyl)-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-(methylamino-carbonyl-methyl)-pyrazol-4-yl; and (k) 4-methyl-phenyl, 4-(hydroxymethyl)-phenyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 10. A compound as in claim 8, wherein R¹ is selected from the group consisting of 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl, 6-fluoro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 3-chloro-1H-indazol-1-yl, 4-chloro-1H-indazol-1-yl and 5-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl; R³ is selected from the group consisting of (a) 4-(hydroxymethyl)-pyrazol-1-yl, 4-(hydroxyethyl)-pyrazol-1-yl, 4-(ethoxy-methyl)-pyrazol-1-yl; (b) 4-(hydroxymethyl)-imidazol-1-yl; (c) 5-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl; (d) 4-methyl-thien-2-yl, 5-methyl-thien-2-yl; (e) 4-methyl-thiazol-2-yl, 5-methyl-thiazol-2-yl; (g) 6-methyl-pyrid-3-yl, 6-methoxy-pyrid-3-yl, 6-(hydroxymethyl)-pyrid-3-yl, 6-(trifluoromethyl)-pyrid-3-yl, 6-(methylamino-carbonyl)-pyrid-3-yl; (h) 2-methyl-pyrid-4-yl; (i) 2-methoxy-pyrimidin-5-yl; (j) 1-methyl-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-(hydroxyethyl)-pyrazol-4-yl, 1-(methylamino-carbonyl-methyl)-pyrazol-4-yl; and (k) 4-methyl-phenyl, 4-(hydroxymethyl)-phenyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 11. A compound as in claim 4, wherein R¹ is selected from the group consisting of 6-fluoro-indolin-1-yl and 5-fluoro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl; R³ is selected from the group consisting of (a) 4-(ethoxy-methyl)-pyrazol-1-yl; (e) 4-methyl-thiazol-2-yl; (g) 6-methyl-pyrid-3-yl, 6-methoxy-pyrid-3-yl, 6-(hydroxymethyl)-pyrid-3-yl; and (j) 1-methyl-pyrazol-4-yl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 12. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a compound of claim
 1. 13. A pharmaceutical composition made by mixing a compound of claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 14. A process for making a pharmaceutical composition comprising mixing a compound of claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 15. A method of treating a SCD1 disorder, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of the compound of claim
 1. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the SCD1 disorder is selected from the group consisting of selected from the group consisting of obesity, type-II diabetes, Syndrome X, hypertriglyceridemia, dyslipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, mixed dyslipidemia, fatty liver, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, liver fibrosis and NASH.
 17. A method of treating a disorder selected from the group consisting of obesity, type-II diabetes, Syndrome X, hypertriglyceridemia, dyslipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, mixed dyslipidemia, fatty liver, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, liver fibrosis and NASH, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of the composition of claim
 12. 18.-24. (canceled) 